For the first time in America’s history, all Americans will have access to quality, affordable health care under updated health insurance reform legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today. The legislation will cover 96 percent of Americans by 2015, while reducing the deficit by tens of billions of dollars over the next decade. The House approved the measure by a vote of 220 to 215.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), blends and revises the three versions of reform legislation passed by the House committees of jurisdiction in July. It embodies President Obama’s key goals for health reform. It will slow the growth in out-of-control health costs, and introduce competition into the health care marketplace to keep coverage affordable and insurers honest. Additionally, it will protect people’s choice of doctors and health plans, and assure all have Americans access to quality, stable, affordable health care.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the net cost of expanding coverage at $891 billion, consistent with the $900 billion coverage mark laid out by President Obama in September. The legislation will be fully paid for. CBO estimates the bill reduces the deficit by at least $30 billion over 10 years, not counting the additional deficit reduction generated by the CLASS Act.

“God has been good to our country and this Congress and that means we have a responsibility to extend our power to make certain that every American has access to quality, affordable health care,” said U.S. Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. “We are so proud of this bill because it will cover 96 percent of our nation and ensure that no one will be denied health care because they have a pre-existing condition, or lose their coverage because they lose their job. This is truly an historic effort to improve the health and well-being of our nation, create jobs and grow our economy.”

Click here to read more about this historic vote.

Click here to view a copy of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962.

Cick here to view the immediate benefits for Americans that kick in under this legislation

Click here to read detailed summaries, fact sheets and other materials…

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