Congresswoman Chellie Pingree says she plans to vote for bill on House floor

Major health care reform legislation will have a final hearing before the powerful Rules Committee Friday afternoon before a vote by the full House, which is expected Saturday.  Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, one of 9 Democrats on the Rules Committee, said she plans to vote for the bill when it reaches the floor.
 
“This bill will improve health care coverage for those who already have it, stop some of the worst practices of the insurance industry, give the insurance companies some competition with a public option and make health care more affordable for thousands of Maine people who don’t have it,” Pingree said.
 
According to an analysis of the bill, 75,000 Maine individuals would be able to get insurance that don’t currently have it, and over 17,000 people who currently cannot get coverage because of pre-existing conditions would be able to qualify under the bill.

Find out more details on how reform will impact Maine here.
 
Today the nearly 40 million-member American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has endorsed the bill. AARP cites benefits for America’s seniors, including strengthening Medicare, lowering prescription drug costs by closing the “donut hole,” and improving the coordination and quality of care.
                                            
“The Affordable Health Care for America Act gives our seniors security and stability – and now seniors will hear from one of the most-trusted voices in America not to believe the scare tactics about this reform,”  Pingree said. “This bill makes huge gains for seniors to reduce costs, improve the quality of their care, and give them peace of mind that Medicare will be there for them for years to come.”
 
“Medicare has been a lifeline for America’s seniors for the last 44 years. This bill builds on its strengths to provide better benefits and the highest quality of care,” Pingree said.
 
The Affordable Health Care for America Act and its companion legislation, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, contain critical components that AARP and other senior advocacy groups have been fighting for for years.