Kathy Castor: “health care reform is great news for small business owners and middle class families. For folks that already have…”

“health care reform is great news for small business owners and middle class families. For folks that already have insurance, there are important consumer protections. If you are paying your premiums and copays, these insurance companies will no longer be able to cancel you if you get sick. If you switch jobs, you will no longer be barred if you have a preexisting condition like asthma or diabetes. For parents, now your children will be able to stay on your policy until age 26, and we will ensure that the bulk of your payments and copays will actually go to health care rather than CEO salaries and bonuses. Medicare will get stronger. Our parents, our grandparents, and our neighbors will see substantial improvements in their benefits. Not one benefit will be cut. Instead, we are going to pay Medicare doctors more to stay in Medicare. We are going to close the doughnut hole and make prescription drugs more affordable, and we are going to emphasize preventive care so they don't skip their checkups. And for small businesses owners and families who don't have insurance, they will have a new shopping exchange and new tax credits to ensure you can afford your health care.”