WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–March 22, 2010. AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released this statement following passage of the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 by the House of Representatives:
“We applaud the House for passing this critical legislation to make our health care system work for more Americans. Both chambers have now passed a bill that will make health care more affordable for American families, strictly limit insurance companies from denying affordable coverage because of age or medical history, and protect and strengthen the benefits promised to people in Medicare.
“But the job is not finished.
“The Senate must act—and act quickly. The changes to the Senate bill passed by the House today are crucial to all older Americans and their families. Most importantly, this final package closes the dreaded gap in Medicare drug coverage known as the ‘doughnut hole.’ For too long, seniors in Medicare have struggled with the rising cost of prescription drugs. The Senate must seize this opportunity to ensure that no one in Medicare is ever again forced to split pills in half, or go without the medicines they need.
“We will not stop fighting to ensure that our members and all older Americans have the affordable health care they need. We look forward to working with the Senate in the coming days to finish this truly historic task.”
Source: aarp.org
