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Full Text Now Available, 11/18/2009
Download the complete text of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Senate health insurance reform bill. (Click for PDF)
Health Insurance Reform Resources - Complete text of the Senate bill, fact sheets, summaries, videos, and more.
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Introducing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
November 19, 2009 —Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today announced the Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the Senate health care bill - the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- highlighting the expansion in coverage and reduction to the federal deficit. This legislation will cut the deficit by $127 billion, extend coverage to more than 94% of Americans and insure 31 million more of the uninsured. This bill, "saves lives, saves money and protects Medicare. Not only do we make health insurance affordable for every American, we certainly do it in a fiscally responsible way," said Reid.
Reid Unveils Senate Health Care Bill
November 18, 2009 —Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today announced the Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the Senate health care bill - the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- highlighting the expansion in coverage and reduction to the federal deficit. This legislation will cut the deficit by $127 billion, extend coverage to more than 94% of Americans and insure 31 million more of the uninsured. This bill, "saves lives, saves money and protects Medicare. Not only do we make health insurance affordable for every American, we certainly do it in a fiscally responsible way," said Reid.
Reid: We Are On The Doorstep of Delivering Historic Reform
November 17, 2009 —With the release of the Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the Senate health care bill expected soon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid highlighted Democrats' desire to begin debate on the floor. "Our purpose and resolve remain strong. We're energized," said Reid. "We stand on the doorstep of delivering historic reform to the American people." In the face of Republican opposition to the bill, Reid said, "Senate Republicans are lining up against the health care needs of the American people to protect insurance companies. They're opposed to even having a debate in the Senate, robbing the American people of a historic opportunity."
Democrats Urge Action To Finalize Veterans' Caregiver Benefits
November 10, 2009 —On the eve of Veterans' Day, Democratic Senators discussed their efforts to ensure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned. Standing alongside Ed Edmundson, the father of U.S. Army Specialist Eric Edmundson -- injured in an IED attack in Iraq in 2005 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, "as I think about the sacrifice of brave Americans like Eric Edmundson, I don't know if we can ever fully repay the service that they've given to our grateful nation." (Read More in the Journal)
Health Reform Will Bring Benefits to the Middle Class
November 10, 2009 —Democratic Senators joined the owner of a small moving and storage company today to discuss the benefits of health insurance reform on the middle class. Under our current system, the cost of health care rises three times faster than wages. Health expenses continue to climb for small businesses and hardworking Americans. Senator Ben Cardin said, "Affordability and stability are at the heart of the health care reform being considered by the Senate. We cannot miss this opportunity to lower costs and expand quality coverage for all Americans."
Investments in Prevention and Wellness Among Benefits in Reform Bill
November 4, 2009 —Democratic Senators Tom Harkin and Tom Udall were joined by health care advocates to discuss the benefits of including prevention and wellness provisions in health insurance reform. "The fact is...we currently don't have a health care system in America, we have a sick care system," said Harkin. The Senate health reform bill places a renewed emphasis on fitness, physical activity, nutrition and disease prevention. "We have solid evidence that we can spend less on health care while saving more lives by implementing preventive measures. Of the more than $2 trillion the U.S. spends on health care each year, only 4 cents of every dollar is invested in prevention," said Udall.
100 Small Business Owners Discuss Health Care Reform
November 3, 2009 —With recent studies showing small businesses' premiums rising by 15% in 2010, it is crucial that we work to ensure affordable health insurance coverage for this critical part of the American workforce. Democratic Senators Tom Harkin and Mary Landrieu held an event Tuesday with small business owners to address the health care challenges they face. The high cost of coverage damages small business owners' ability to create new jobs and retain skilled employees. "The status quo in health insurance spending for America's small businesses is intolerable and it is unsustainable," said Harkin. "Today, we have a simple message for small business owners across America: help is on the way and it comes in the form of a health reform plan that puts a stop to the discriminatory insurance industry practice of jacking up premiums for small businesses by up to 200 percent when an employee gets sick or because the business hires a woman."
Public Option Creates Competition, Lowers Costs for Families & Businesses
October 28, 2009 —Following Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's announcement this week that the Senate health care bill will include a public option with a state opt-out provision, Senate Democrats joined small business and consumer advocates to discuss the benefits of the public option. "Small businesses are buckling under rising health care costs, and if the status quo continues, more and more of them will be forced to stop providing coverage for their workers," said Senator Charles Schumer. The public option, the Senators explained, will reduce costs and ensure competition within the insurance industry that will benefit individuals and businesses. "Everyone in our Caucus understands that if we do nothing, the system will collapse," said Schumer.
Democratic Chairmen Discuss Road Ahead for Health Reform & Public Option
October 27, 2009 —Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was joined today by Senate Committee Chairmen to discuss the public option with a state opt-out provision to be included in a Senate health care bill. Senators Dodd, Baucus, Bingaman and Rockefeller agreed that Congress stands on the doorstep of achieving meaningful health insurance legislation. "We're all committed to delivering meaningful reform to a system that's really broken," said Reid. "We all support the public option with a state opt-out as a wise path forward. Our public option isn't a left proposal or a right proposal. This is a consensus, a compromise that represents months of hard work and debate and will benefit all Americans. It's an important way to ensure competition, to level the playing field for patients. It protects consumers and keeps the insurance companies honest."
Senator Reid Announces Public Option Opt-Out Clause
October 26, 2009 —Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today announced that the merged Senate health care bill will include a public option with an opt-out provision for states. Under this concept, states will be able to determine whether the public option works for them and will have the ability to opt-out. The next step in this process is to send new merged language to the Congressional Budget Office for analysis. When the CBO has finished scoring the combined Senate bill, Reid will bring the bill to the floor for an open debate and amendment process.
Celebrating Passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act
October 23, 2009 —Senators Leahy, Levin and Specter today praised the passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Amendment as an important milestone in deterring violence against people based on their gender, sexual orientation or disability. After more than ten years since Senator Ted Kennedy introduced the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, civil rights leaders joined Democratic Senators in celebration of this historic legislation. "Passing this legislation honors the lives of those good people we lost too soon, but we must not mistake it for a monument to them. We are here because the scourge of hate violence that took these lives has not ended," said Joe Solmonese of Human Rights Campaign.
Seniors & Veterans Advocates Call for Fairness in Doctors' Medicare Compensation
October 20, 2009 —Senator Debbie Stabenow met today with advocates for seniors, military families and doctors to highlight the importance of compensating physicians appropriately. Senator Stabenow explained that the move is necessary to create more stability for health care providers in an uncertain climate. The Medicare payment formula for physicians has been broken for nearly a decade -- requiring Congress to step in time after time to delay cuts. "It is critical both for our military and their families, as well as for seniors and people with disabilities, that we stop what we know is a failed formula," said Senator Stabenow. She was joined by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
Reid, Dodd, Baucus Discuss the Urgency for Health Insurance Reform
October 15, 2009 —Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus and Senator Chris Dodd of the Senate HELP Committee gave an update this afternoon on the discussions underway regarding a merged health insurance reform proposal. Senator Reid highlighted the challenges that remain and called on Republican Senators to join their Democratic colleagues in passing comprehensive health insurance legislation. "I'm confidant and optimistic it can be done but we need the kind of historical participation that has been the hallmark of the United States Senate," said Senator Dodd.
Senator Reid Discusses Start Of The Health Care Merger Process
October 14, 2009 —Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid met with Senators Chris Dodd and Max Baucus, and White House officials to start the health care merger process. Today's meeting was an opportunity to discuss key issues in the HELP and Finance health reform bills. "I look forward to the President signing a health care bill in the not-distant future," said Reid.
Finance Committee Passes Health Insurance Reform Bill
October 13, 2009 —The Senate Finance Committee passed a health insurance reform bill today by a vote of 14 - 9, paving the way for an historic debate on the Senate floor. After months of negotiations, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hailed its passage. Senators Reid, Dodd and Baucus are now set to join senior White House officials this week to merge the HELP and Finance bills into a comprehensive health care proposal for a full vote before the Senate. Reid also praised Republican Senator Olympia Snowe for breaking with her party to join Democrats on the committee in voting for the bill. "[Sen. Snowe's] courage to stick with her principles in the face of an increasingly partisan environment in Washington, D.C. is heartening and should serve as a reminder that health care is an issue that should defy party labels," said Reid.
Women Democratic Senators Highlight Benefits Of Health Insurance Reform for Women
October 8, 2009 —Women Democratic Senators took to the floor this morning to highlight women will benefit from health insurance reform. In our current health care system, women tend to earn less and pay more for premiums and are rarely covered for basic maternity care. "In cases where women can find coverage that is affordable, often it is woefully inadequate," said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. The Senators urged for an end to discrimination against patients with pre-existing conditions. "Enough is enough, the time is now," Senator Patty Murray declared. "The status quo that is being defended by the other side is not working."
GOP Health Plan: The Status Quo
October 7, 2009 —While Democrats have offered the American people a health insurance plan that fixes our ailing health insurance system and doesn't contribute to the deficit, Republicans have stuck with the status quo. Senators Jack Reed, Debbie Stabenow and Robert Menendez joined Jim Guest of the Consumers Union today to discuss the urgent need for health insurance reform. The Democrats' plan for reform has recently gained outside support from current and former Republican leaders across the country -- including Bill Frist, Bob Dole and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "The Republican plan is to say no and maintain the status quo," said Senator Stabenow. "While they are jeering from the sidelines, instead of working with us, Democrats are focused on making health care stable and affordable for all Americans."
Health Insurance Reform: Highlighting the Need for Change
October 1, 2009 —With the Finance Committee voting soon their health insurance reform proposal, ten freshmen Democratic Senators took to the floor Thursday to address the need for change. Together, the freshmen described the dramatic rise in health care costs and the urgent need to deliver real change to our health care system. "This is not just a moral imperative on its own right. It will help us achieve the cost savings that our health system so desperately needs," said Sen. Roland Burris.
The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. and proceed to a period of morning business until 3:00 p.m. with Senators permitted to speak for up to ten minutes each. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3590, with Senator Reid, or designee, permitted to offer the first amendment to the Reid substitute; further, that Senator McConnell, or designee, be permitted to offer the next amendment to the substitute with no other amendments in order during Monday's session. There will be no roll call votes during Monday's session.
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