Visiting with folks around Greater Arizona, I’ve heard again and again that the rising cost of health care is one of their top concerns. I took office determined to get something done on this issue for District One, and to make sure that whatever reforms we make are done the right way. 

In March – after months of reviewing legislation, asking tough questions to folks on all sides of the issue and traveling the district listening to the thoughts, opinions, comments and concerns of my constituents – I voted to pass the health insurance reform package into law.

I supported this legislation because of all that it will do for Greater Arizona’s working families. It will protect folks in this district from insurance company abuses, like being denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. It will make it easier for seniors to afford prescription drugs by closing the Medicare Part D donut hole. It will help small business owners better afford coverage for their employees with tax credits. It will make it possible for 443,000 people in Greater Arizona to access improved, more affordable care, and strengthens Medicare without cutting benefits.

I also supported reform because of what it will not do. It will not allow government to take over health care. Unlike in some proposals, Arizonans will still be able to choose their own insurance, their physicians will be free to practice medicine, and medical decisions will remain between individuals and their doctors. It will also not add to this country’s fiscal crisis. In fact, the independent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found it will reduce the deficit by well over a trillion dollars in the coming years. Click this link to see what health care reform will and will not do for Arizona families.

Now that this package is law, I am focused on making sure that it works for Arizona families as it is put into practice. Effective health reform is about what happens in our communities, not Washington, so I will be pushing to make sure everyone has the information and resources they need to take advantage of the rights, benefits and protections included in the bill.

This site will be a clearinghouse for folks looking to learn more about the bill – please check out the links at the bottom of this page. My district offices are also eager to answer any questions you may have - you reach them with your questions and comments on health insurance reform here, or call toll-free at (877) 733-4586.

Furthermore, our offices are here to actively help you with any obstacles you encounter while these reforms are being put into place. Our caseworkers are always available to help you resolve your issues with the federal government, and they will be working to support folks in dealing with their insurance companies – so that you know when your rights are being violated and you can get the assistance you need to fight back. If you think we can be of service to you, please e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call our toll-free number.

I also know that the process of making health care affordable and accessible is not over. I will continue to  work with my health care advisory board -- which includes health care professionals, members of the business and labor community, elected officials, and others from across District One -- to ensure that these reforms work for Arizona families as they are put into practice. Together we will evaluate the progress and challenges of reform and offer the valuable feedback necessary to make sure health insurance reform works for Greater Arizona.

Resources:

Read the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) here.
Read the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872) here.

Read the independent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s score of the health reform package here.

Wondering when these reforms will take effect? Check out this timeline of when the benefits will start to have an impact over the next few months.

Click this link to see what health care reform will and will not do for Arizona families.

Click here to see what benefits the bill will have for District One by the numbers.

Still Want to Learn More?:

Take a look at these additional helpful links for further information:

         · The AARP’s User’s Guide to Health Care Reform offers specific information on how reform will impact you if you are on Medicare, receive employer insurance, are buying your own insurance, are uninsured or run a small business. It also outlines where the savings in the bill are coming from and how it will affect your doctors.

         · Consumer Reports offers guidance to folks who have insurance and who do not, lets folks know how the bill will affect those under 26 and over 65 and describes the new protections from those with pre-existing conditions.

         · Families USA has set up a clearinghouse for information on reform and the implementation process, and in particular offers more details on the specific impact of the bill on Arizona.

         · The Kaiser Family Foundation offers a variety of resources, including an FAQ about the high-risk insurance pool, a guide to the impact of Medicaid expansion and good summaries of the various bills offered during the discussion on reform.

         · The Medicare Rights Center gives useful information specifically aimed at Medicare beneficiaries.

         · The Small Business Majority has useful information on what the bill accomplishes for small business owners nationwide.