Sen. Larry Farnese Praises the Passage of Health Care Reform Legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives
Urges U.S Senate to Follow Suit

Philadelphia, November 8, 2009 - "Over the weekend, the United States House of Representatives sent health care reform one step closer to reality," said Senator Farnese, after lawmakers on Capitol Hill passed the historic legislation late Saturday night.

Legislators passed the bill, 220 - 215.

House Bill 3962 guarantees health care coverage for almost every person in the nation, requiring most Americans to have health insurance. Those who can't afford it would be eligible for federal subsidies to help pay for health insurance.

Consumers would be able to shop around for coverage through a "marketplace," which the U.S. government would regulate. Among the choices would be a federal government-operated health insurance option.

Health insurance companies would be prohibited from denying coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions, or hiking prices because of a consumer's gender or medical history.

Further, big companies would have to offer health insurance to their employees

"There is no good reason why Americans - including those living right here in Pennsylvania, should not have access to affordable health care, regardless of income, pre-existing condition, or job status," the senator pointed out. "Fixing a long-broken health care system is long overdue."

It is now up to the U.S. Senate to pass its own version of the bill.

"I would like nothing more than to see both chambers of Congress reconcile their bills to give Americans the affordable health care that tens of millions of them have never had in our country's history," said Sen. Farnese.

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