FIRST MYTH: THE HEALTH REFORM LAW EXEMPTS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND THEIR STAFF FROM ITS PROVISIONS.

FACT:  Members of Congress are NOT exempt from the provisions of the health reform package. In fact, the health reform package states that the federal government may offer Members of Congress (and their staff) health plans only through a health insurance exchange.  This means that unlike other government employees, Members of Congress will not be eligible to purchase health insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). H.R. 3590, Sec. 1312(d)(3)(D)

SECOND MYTH: HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM WILL HARM AMERICA’S SENIORS BY CUTTING MEDICARE BENEFITS AND REDUCING THE QUALITY OF SERVICES THEY RECEIVE.

FACT:  NOTHING in the health reform package will cut basic Medicare benefits. In fact, the newly-passed law will strengthen Medicare by improving solvency, closing the donut hole, lowering costs for preventative services for seniors, and expanding the medical workforce so seniors have more doctors to choose from. The AARP urged Congress to pass the final package and stated in a letter that the “legislative package cracks down on insurance company abuses and protects and strengthens guaranteed benefits in Medicare.” H.R. 3590, Sec. 3601 and Sec. 3602

THIRD MYTH: THE HOUSE BILL WOULD INCREASE THE FEDERAL DEFICIT.

FACT:  Health insurance reform will NOT add to the deficit. According to the non-partisan, independent Congressional Budget Office, health reform will reduce the deficit by $138 billion in the first ten years (2010 – 2019) and will continue to reduce the deficit by roughly $1.2 trillion over the second ten year period (2020-2029). Furthermore, these reforms will make affordable coverage available to 95 percent of Americans and, by reforming our private insurance system, will lower costs and improve coverage for all Americans. Full CBO Score, page 2

FOURTH MYTH: HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM WILL HARM SMALL BUSINESSES

FACT:  This claim is WRONG. For the first time, small businesses will be able to pool their purchasing power to get better rates and benefits, and will have the same leverage in the marketplace that big companies have.  In addition, many small firms will receive immediate tax credits for offering health insurance to their employees.  The health reform package also exempts all small firms with fewer than 50 employees — 96 percent of all firms — from the employer responsibility requirements that begin in 2014. H.R. 3590, Sec. 1421 , Sec. 1513 and Sec. 9022

FIFTH MYTH: THE HEALTH REFORM PACKAGE PROVIDES HEALTH BENEFITS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

FACT:  Taxpayers will NOT fund health care for illegal immigrants. The law explicitly states that “Nothing in this subtitle or the amendments made by this subtitle allows Federal payments, credits, or cost-sharing reductions for individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.” H.R. 3590, Sec. 1411