House Unveils Historic Health Care Proposal

WARWICK, RI - Congressman Jim Langevin today applauded the release of the American Affordable Health Choices Act. House Leadership and the committees on Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means introduced the legislation this afternoon.

“Instituting meaningful, systemic health care reforms will require a fundamental shift in how we view employer-provided coverage and health care delivery,” said Langevin. “While it is critical that businesses maintain a role, we must change our perspective of health insurance as a privilege or benefit tied to employment.  Instead, we must consider it a right that is available to all Americans. With the release of today’s plan, the U.S. House of Representatives has signaled that we will work to develop a solution that puts patients first, while reducing the burden of ballooning health care costs on American families and businesses.”

The plan released today allows patients to keep their current doctors and plans if they like, while allowing more choice, with a public health insurance option competing with private insurers. The proposal will also end denials for pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer or diabetes.

“We are closer than we have been in decades to agreement on how to make our health system work for all Americans. The growing cost of health care is an enormous threat to our economy,” continued Langevin. “This proposal is the first step in putting doctors and patients back in charge of care. Lastly, this reform is an absolutely crucial part of our long term plan to rebuild our economy in a responsible way and lower health care costs for families and businesses.”

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