| Affordable, Accessible Health Care for New Mexico |
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“The Affordable Health Care for America Act will take significant steps to reform our broken health insurance system that makes it too difficult for families to find affordable, accessible health insurance. Right now, too many families are being hurt by out-of-control health insurance bills, too many individuals are being denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions, and too many small businesses are struggling with a costly and inefficient system. This legislation will end insurance company discrimination and cherry-picking, make coverage more affordable and provide more options for consumers. It will level the playing field between insurance companies and consumers.”
On November 7, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which will make health insurance more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 220 to 215. Rep. Lujan voted in favor of the legislation. The passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act is an important step toward reforming our broken health insurance system. Quality health insurance coverage for all should be more than a right -- it should be a promise that we make to each other, for a healthier and better future for our families, communities, and nation. Unfortunately, our health insurance system today is broken. Too many New Mexicans who have coverage have gone without a necessary surgery or doctor's visit because they can't afford it. Often people wait too long before seeing a doctor, only to need more extensive treatment for problems that have worsened over time because they can't afford the visit. And too many with coverage have suffered when their insurance companies refused to pay their medical bills. We must have a system driven by patients' needs, not corporate profits, empowering you and your doctor to make informed health care decisions that meet your specific needs. Affordable Health Care for America Act takes significant steps toward fixing our broken health insurance system by making insurance more affordable and accessible for families across our country.
Read Affordable Health Care for America Act of 2009
Ben's Principles for Health Insurance Reform Several months ago, Ben laid out his principles for health insurance reform. By following a few important principles, we can have a desirable health care system that helps New Mexican families. The Affordable Health Care for America Act makes great strides towards this objective. o Coverage extended: Your health needs will still be covered by insurance and your coverage can never be taken away. You won't be denied insurance based on a pre-existing condition. You won't go without coverage if your employer drops your insurance, you change jobs, or if you are out of work. If you have a pre-existing condition or lose your job, an affordable, quality program will always be available to you. o Reducing health care costs: Too much is being spent on health care and it only continues to grow. The plan provides for affordability credits that assist low and moderate income individuals and families that are struggling to pay for health care, a cap on out-of-pocket spending to prevent bankruptcies, and a Health Insurance Exchange market to increase competition and prevent monopolies. It also simplifies paperwork for patients and doctors, and cracks down on fraud, abuse, and waste--so we can begin to reduce our nation's growing health care costs. The implementation of electronic medical records will help reduce errors that cost lives and ultimately reduce expenses for doctors and patients. o More choice: Ben believes that, no matter what, you should have a choice of a doctor and be able to keep your plan if you prefer. Through efforts such as the Health Insurance Exchange and the public option, American families will have access to diverse health care options, allowed to select the option that best fit their lives. The Health Insurance Exchange creates a forum for individuals and small employers to shop between providers and the government option as they make these important decisions. The public option will be a much-needed new choice, especially in regions dominated by one or two private insurers. It will not be above the law, but financed through premiums received-making it subject to the same market forces and consumer protections all private insurers face. Read Ben's Op-ed About Why We Can't Afford the Health Insurance Status Quo On August 1, Ben wrote an op-ed in the Santa Fe New Mexican, discussing the need for health insurance reform and the high costs of the health insurance status quo. Click here to read the op-ed.
Read frequently asked questions and answers about health insurance reform and Affordable Health Care for America Act. Click here to read the FAQs.
Watch Ben Participate in a Health Insurance Reform Town Hall Watch a video (via KNME) of Ben participating in a health insurance reform town hall on August 17 in Santa Fe hosted by the Santa Fe Unitarian Church Social Justice Committee, Health Action New Mexico and Results Santa Fe. Watch Ben Discuss the Need for Health Insurance Reform and a Strong Public Option
Watch a News Clip on Ben's Patients and Provider's Roundtable on Health Insurance Reform
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