Health Care Reform Celebrates Six Month Anniversary

By Kyle LaFleur - Talk Radio News Service

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius along with Senate health and finance leaders held a press conference today in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the six month anniversary of the passing of comprehensive health care reform and mark the day a number of provisions take effect.

“As Senator Harkin said, today is the day that the worst abuses of insurance companies come to an end in America,” said Sebelius, “It’s long overdue for millions of Americans who now will have some peace of mind and some health security.”

Sebelius was joined by Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) as they outlined some of the benefits consumers will begin seeing after today. The Senate trio touted provisions of the bill that took effect today which included banning insurance companies from denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions and increasing the age young adults can remain covered under their parents’ plan from 23 to 26.

“I worked very hard to include in the health reform law a sharp emphasis on wellness and prevention, keeping people out of the hospital in the first place,” Harkin said. “This is good for the health of the American people and it’s our best bet for bending the cost curve downward in the years ahead.”

Obama’s healthcare reform bill has received criticism from Republicans who, as recently as today in their “Pledge To America,” vowed to repeal the plan. The bill has also remained unpopular with the American people even with the government’s addition of a website in July to help clear the air on the reform.

“I realize it’s still not popular with most Americans unfortunately but I will tell you, it will make a difference and already is in the lives of most Americans and that is what really counts to all of us here,” said Dodd.

Hoyer Hints That Congress May Not Delay August Recess To Achieve Health Care Reform

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) suggested that if Congress misses the August deadline put forward by the Obama administration for a completed health care reform bill, postponing Congress’ August recess may not be the most effective step.

“I don’t think it’s a question of staying another week, it’s a question of seeing whether or not we can get to consensus,” Hoyer said during a pen and pad session with reporters Tuesday.

“I don’t think staying in session is... necessary to continue to work on getting consensus,’ Hoyer added.

Following the August recess, Congress will not be back in session until early September.