Over 40 million Americans do not have health insurance, whether these individuals are between jobs, are not offered health insurance through their employer, or simply cannot afford coverage. It is Congressman Ryan’s belief that affordable and accessible health care is a basic right for all Americans, and that health insurance is an investment not only in quality of life for our citizens, but also in our economy.

After decades of debate, Congress passed comprehensive health care reform that benefits all Americans. Congressman Ryan has been working to enact positive change in the American health care system since he began his Congressional career, and he proudly voted in favor of the Health Care and Education Affordability Act of 2010.

Under this historic legislation, millions of Americans who cannot afford health insurance or are saddled with a pre-existing condition will get the coverage that they deserve. Additionally, young adults under the age of 26 will be able to remain on their parents’ health insurance and thousands of families will no longer face the threat of bankruptcy due to skyrocketing costs of coverage.

Congressman Ryan firmly believes that one of the greatest achievements of the health care reform legislation is the shift of emphasis from disease management to prevention. Instead of waiting for Americans to get sick and then spending exorbitant sums of money to address the problem, this system will emphasize the prevention of illness, or management of that illness from its onset. We can all agree that it makes financial sense to attack disease on the front end through encouraging healthy choices and preventative care, rather than waiting for serious illness to strike and increase the shared cost burden.

Research and development is also a key component of this groundbreaking legislation. Congressman Ryan will continue to support funding for essential health care research that will further our knowledge of diseases, conditions, treatments, and cures. Congressman Ryan has consistently demanded increased funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and has noted that it is imperative that Congress continue to invest in research and development for the stability and advancement of medical progress.

Bottom line, health care reform reflects principles and values in which all Americans believe. Far from being a government takeover, this legislation is a well-deserved bailout for millions of middle-class, working Americans who struggle to afford health insurance, as well as for those businesses trying to cope with the rising cost of benefits for their workers. Congressman Ryan believes that, as a member of Congress, he has a moral obligation to protect, empower, and improve the lives of all citizens. This legislation puts the health and well-being of the American people over the profits of insurance conglomerates, and he is proud to have supported it.

Benefits of the Health Care Reform Legislation for Ohio’s 17th Congressional District:

• Improve coverage for 355,000 residents with health insurance

• Give tax credits to up to 180,000 families and 12,300 small businesses to help them afford coverage

• Improve Medicare for 109,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole

• Extend coverage to 39,000 uninsured residents

• Guarantee that 9,300 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage

• Protect 1,700 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs

• Allow 53,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents’ insurance plans

• Provide millions of dollars in new funding for 4 community health centers

• Reduce costs of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers by $11 million annually