FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Contact: Jose Borjon, (202) 225-7742 or (202) 579-2403

STATEMENT FROM U.S. REP. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

Affordable Health Care for America Act reduces deficit by $30 billion over first 10 years, covers 96 percent of Americans

WASHINGTON--Today, U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz (D-Texas) released the following statement regarding a vote in the House of Representatives on H.R. 3962, Affordable Health Care for America Act, to improve our nation’s health care system:

“Texas leads the nation with the highest rate of uninsured and the United States lags behind other industrialized countries’ health care systems. That is not something to be proud of.

“After reviewing the legislation and receiving feedback from my constituents for several months, I chose to support H.R. 3962 and provide health insurance to 96 percent of Americans and 165,000 residents of the 27th District of Texas.

“Not only will this bill assist those who currently cannot afford or access healthcare, but it will protect and safeguard those who already have insurance coverage but are always vulnerable and subject to unwarranted changes within their insurance policy, including denied coverage and sky-rocketing premiums.

“In order to rein in health insurance premiums, it is essential to increase competition and work towards achieving the most efficient and highest quality health care system possible--for all. I want to ensure that our economy and hard workers remain competitive in the global market against other industrialized nations.

“Those who wish to keep their current health care insurance--can do so. Those who wish to keep their current medical doctor--can do so. Health care reform will eliminate discrimination on pre-existing conditions, and will bar limits on annual insurance coverage. 

“Small businesses and self-employed people have the most to gain from increased choice and competition. Currently, 60 percent of uninsured small business owners and employees do not have access to affordable and comprehensive coverage.  I am pleased that this legislation will allow 13,800 small businesses in my district to obtain affordable health care coverage.

“During these tough economic times, I, along with many constituents, have been concerned about the cost of the bill and the cost for the consumers. That is why it is important that this legislation is fully paid for and reduces the deficit by $30 billion in the first 10 years without adding to our national debt. In addition, qualifying families in my district will be protected from bankruptcy due to unaffordable out of pocket expenses from yearly or lifetime cost caps on what insurance companies will cover.

“After debating and reviewing the benefits of health care reform, we have set precedent and” are one step closer to obtaining a broad, historic health reform package for our country.

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