Betty's form letter concerning her recent vote on the "Affordable Health Care for America Act"

Thank you for contacting me about Congressional action on health reform and reproductive health.  I appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective on this important issue with you.
                                                                     

On November 7, 2009, I voted for the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) when it passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a 220-215 vote.  During debate on this bill, the House voted 240-194 to include the Stupak-Pitts amendment, which bans legal reproductive health care services for women who pay for their own health insurance.  I voted against this amendment because it violates the first tenant of the entire reform effort, which is to ensure that no one loses coverage they currently have.  My statements for the Congressional Record on this amendment and the overall legislation are attached.
                                                                     

The Affordable Health Care for America Act is historic legislation that will increase access, reduce cost, and improve quality care for all Americans.  To summarize H. R. 3962, this bill:
                                                                                                         

o   Extends health insurance coverage to 36 million Americans
o   Ends insurance company discrimination for persons with pre-existing conditions
o   Creates a competitive public insurance option< /span>
o   Protects families from medical bankruptcy
o   Fixes the Medicare geographic disparities in payment that currently penalizes Minnesota
o   Allows young adults to stay on their parents' insurance plans until age 27
o   Reduces the federal budget deficit over ten years
                                                                      

Another important element of this legislation is that for Americans who are happy with their doctor and insurance plan, nothing changes.  You can keep exactly what you have right now.

Reforming our broken health care system is a national priority.  As the U.S. Senate now takes up its reform legislation I will work to ensure the strongest possible final bill emerges to ensure America remains healthy, strong, and economically competitive.
                                                                     
Sincerely,
 
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress