On the recordMarch 21, 2010
Today the House of Representatives crosses a historic threshold in the evolution of social justice, quality of life, equity of health service delivery, and a worthy legacy for our children, with passage of comprehensive health care reform legislation. Our Nation enjoys the best, but the most expensive health care in the world. The comprehensive health care legislation under consideration will preserve what works best in our health care system and make that system more efficient and affordable. In Minnesota and throughout the Nation, citizens will quickly see the benefits of this legislation that includes important consumer protections to reduce the power of health insurance companies. You will have greater control of your health care decisions. This bill will assure that no one's current health care can be dropped. No one will be forced out of the health care they now hold. No one will be denied coverage because of a previously existing condition. No one's health insurance will be dropped because of lifetime caps; no one can be denied when they need their health insurance the most. People will be able to retain their health insurance if they change jobs. For seniors, the legislation closes the doughnut hole that has existed for five years, which will save seniors thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs. Young adults will be able to stay on their parents' policy until age 26.
