[StBernard] Where we stand

[Westley Annis]

Every Dog has his day.

The power of the vote is ahead.

Merry Christmas.

--jer--


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Westley --

Early this morning, the Senate made history and health reform cleared its
most important hurdle yet -- garnering the 60 votes needed to move toward a
final vote in that chamber later this week.

This marks the first time in our nation's history that comprehensive health
reform has come to this point. And it appears that the American people will
soon realize the genuine reform that offers security to those who have
health insurance and affordable options to those who do not.

I'm grateful to Senator Harry Reid and every senator who's been working
around the clock to make this happen. And I'm grateful to you, and every
member of the Organizing for America community, for all the work you have
done to make this progress possible.


After a nearly century-long struggle, we are now on the cusp of making
health insurance reform a reality in the United States of America.

As with any legislation, compromise is part of the process. But I'm pleased
that recently added provisions have made this landmark bill even stronger.
Between the time when the bill passes and the time when the insurance
exchanges get up and running, insurance companies that try to jack up their
rates do so at their own peril. Those who hike their prices may be barred
from selling plans on the exchanges.

And while insurance companies will be prevented from denying coverage on the
basis of pre-existing conditions once the exchanges are open, in the
meantime there will be a high-risk pool where people with pre-existing
conditions can purchase affordable coverage.

A recent amendment has made these protections even stronger. Insurance
companies will now be prohibited from denying coverage to children
immediately after this bill passes. There's also explicit language in this
bill that will protect a patient's choice of doctor. And small businesses
will get additional assistance as well.

These protections are in addition to the ones we've been talking about for
some time. No longer will insurance companies be able to drop your coverage
if you become sick and no longer will you have to pay unlimited amounts out
of your own pocket for treatments that you need.

Under this bill families will save on their premiums; businesses that would
see their costs rise if we don't act will save money now and in the future.
This bill will strengthen Medicare and extend the life of the program.
Because it's paid for and gets rid of waste and inefficiency in our health
care system, this will be the largest deficit reduction plan in over a
decade.

Finally, this reform will extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans
who don't have it.

These are not small changes. These are big changes. They're fundamental
reforms. They will save money. They will save lives.

And your passion, your work, your organizing helped make all of this
possible. Now it's time to finish the job.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama