nd Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan was among the many members of the Democratic caucus who rose to speak in favor of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, during the day-long debate.
“The need for healthcare reform has never been greater nor more urgent,” he said. “This is true for my district, as it is for our nation.
“We cannot wait another day. We must seize the moment and pass a law that will go a long way to providing quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare for all Americans.”
Video of Sablan’s statement is available on YouTube and at http://sablan.house.gov
Among the many benefits to the Northern Marianas contained in the bill are $209 million in Medicaid funding over the next 10 years, four times more than the commonwealth now receives.
In addition, the governor of the commonwealth will have the option of creating a health insurance exchange, opening the public insurance option to the people of the Northern Marianas and providing $300 million for the insular areas to help to cover the cost of insurance premiums for individuals.
Consumers who purchase health insurance will also gain new protections, including no lifetime limit on coverage, and limits on denial because of certain pre-existing conditions, such as birth defects and domestic violence.
Seniors Medicare benefits are also improved in the bill. The cost of prescription drugs will go down as a result of new negotiated rates with drug companies. Prevention and wellness care for seniors will be free under Medicare.
The bill next goes to the Senate for action. Both the House and Senate must agree on a bill before it goes to the president for his signature
