Bishop Votes for Historic Healthcare Bill

Last night, U.S. Congressman Tim Bishop (NY-1) voted for President Barack Obama's historical healthcare bill.

According to a statement sent from Congressman Bishop's representatives, the landmark legislation will reform the nation's healthcare system, stop insurance company abuse, reduce the deficit, rein in health costs for families and expand quality health coverage.

The House passed the Senate version of health insurance reform legislation by a vote of 219 to 212.  The bill now goes to the President for his signature into law.  A second bill, to improve the Senate bill, passed by a vote of 220 to 211 and goes to the Senate.  Congressman Bishop voted for both.

"I voted to put families and doctors in charge of health care choices by stopping some of the worst practices of insurance companies, like denying you coverage because of a pre-existing condition, dropping your coverage when you get sick, or arbitrarily hiking up your premiums," Congressman Bishop said after the House voted.  "I'm proud of my vote for legislation that will stand with Social Security and Medicare as a landmark in guaranteeing a decent life for all American citizens.  We have all experienced or know someone who has been denied coverage or put off care.  We have all seen health care premiums skyrocket while wages have stagnated for years.  Today, we did something about it."

According to Bishop's staff, there are a number of benefits that will begin immediately:

- Would give a one-time, $250 rebate to seniors who enter the donut hole in 2010 to help defray the cost of their drugs in the coverage gap in 2010.  Phases in additional discounts for brand name and generic drugs starting in 2011 and leading to complete closure of the donut hole by 2020.

-Provides free preventative services for Medicare beneficiaries.

-Helps those who are currently uninsured because of a pre-existing condition enter the temporary high-risk pool.

-Extends coverage to young people, allowing them to remain on their parents' insurance policy until their 26th birthday.

-Helps small businesses that provide coverage to their employees take advantage of a tax credit of up to 35% of premiums.

-Creates a temporary reinsurance program to help offset the costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64.

-Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage.

-Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.

"Because I and other members said we would not simply pass the Senate bill, we were able to secure a number of improvements, especially regarding the impact of the tax on high-cost health plans, Medicaid reimbursements for New York and eliminating unsavory deals for states like Nebraska," Congressman Bishop said in the statement.  "I've heard it said, and I agree, that the last perfect piece of legislation was handed down from a mountaintop on two stone tablets.  But through this process we removed deal-breakers for me and have achieved historic reform for our nation."