Health Care

Congresswoman Edwards Attends Health Care Bill Signing Ceremony at the White House

 

Congresswoman Edwards attended the bill signing ceremony at the White House for H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Congresswoman Edwards was invited for her leadership on health care reform and her advocacy against price gouging by insurance companies, having successfully added language in the final legislation to help address this issue.  

 

 

“I was honored to witness personally President Obama signing this landmark health care reform bill into law, which is a historic victory for the American people,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “I am thankful that a provision I championed to address price gouging was included in the final legislation that will hold insurance companies accountable for excessive premium increases, helping ensure affordability for working families.  Passing health care reform was a long, arduous process.  After six decades of failed attempts at reform, we now usher in a new era of accessible, affordable, quality health care coverage for the American people.”

 

 

Congresswoman Edwards' Statement on the Historic Passage of Health Care Reform for the American People 

 

 

Congresswoman Edwards Votes to Restore Competition, Fairness in Health Insurance Marketplace

Congresswoman Edwards voted to repeal the 65 year-old anti-trust exemption afforded to healthcare insurance companies, which passed the House by a vote of 406 to19. In the last 14 years, 400 health insurers merged, and now 94% of all insurance markets are “highly concentrated,” meaning consumers have little or no choice among insurance providers.

 

The Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act, H.R. 4626, will remove the anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies, requiring companies to compete fairly and adhere to federal anti-trust laws.

  

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I am also committed to ensuring that our veterans receive the quality medical care, rehabilitative treatment not subject to caps, and long-term care they deserve. 

Furthermore, it is important that we address health disparities that disproportionately impact Fourth District residents, including diabetes, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.  I support investments in preventive care, diagnostic procedures, and inclusive research to develop best strategies for combating these and other chronic conditions.  By moving towards a universal healthcare system with a focus on prevention, instead of a “sickcare” system, we can provide accessible, affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans.