ProgressOhio

Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy and fellow members of the House today launched H.R. 3962, a deficit neutral, consensus piece of health insurance reform legislation that will achieve a solution to the rising medical costs and major shortcomings in the current health care system.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, a leader in the fight for comprehensive health insurance reform, spoke on behalf of the millions of Americans struggling with pre-existing conditions at a press conference this morning to unveil the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  Kilroy recounted her own personal struggle of living with a pre-existing condition (Multiple Sclerosis) and how difficult it is to obtain coverage with a chronic disease. 

At this morning’s press conference Kilroy stated, “As many of you may know, I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and I’ve been lucky because I’ve had the benefit of health insurance. Because of those group plans, I’ve been able to afford the medications that delay the onset of disability and slow down the progress of this disease. But I also know that for many people that is not the case. They are excluded from the health insurance system because they have a preexisting condition and can’t afford the medications that will allow them to live their lives to the fullest, enable them to pursue their dreams the way they want to do that.”

After years as a community advocate on health care as a Franklin County Commissioner in Ohio, Kilroy came to Congress devoted to achieving comprehensive health care reform for the American people.  Beginning in April, Kilroy embarked on a district-wide health care listening tour to hear her constituents’ health care stories so that she could bring their input to Washington. 

After months of listening to the American people, today Kilroy and fellow members of the House launched the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), a deficit neutral, consensus piece of health insurance reform legislation that will achieve a solution to the rising medical costs and major shortcomings in the current health care system.

“One of the benefits of being a public person with a disease is that I have met with many people who have M.S. or other diseases that inhibit them from obtaining insurance. They share with me their stories: how they constantly worry about losing their jobs or worry about how they are going to pay for their monthly medical bills,” said Kilroy.  “Luckily, I have insurance that pays for my medications and treatments to keep me well, but if I were to lose my job, I would be in the same predicament as millions of Americans living with a pre-existing condition.  I was so proud to be a part of this historic day, to unveil a health insurance reform bill that will bring peace of mind to all Americans that should they become sick, like me, or lose their jobs, they will still have access to quality, affordable  insurance.” 

For the full text of H.R. 3962 please visit http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf

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