Congressman Bishop Voting for Health Care Bill

U.S. Congressman Tim Bishop (NY-1) announced today that he will support the health care reform bill.

"Long Islanders are not known for holding back their opinions, and I have had blunt conversations with literally thousands of constituents about health care.  I have listened to deep, passionate feelings on both sides and I respect those opinions," Bishop said in a statement sent out Friday afternoon. "Despite much disagreement about reform, however, there is broad recognition that the status quo either isn't working or isn't sustainable."

Bishop said the health care bill is far from perfect and was not crafted "through a perfect process, but "as someone wiser than me once put it, the last perfect piece of legislation was handed down from a mountaintop on two stone tablets."

Bishop looked at two ingredients when making his decision to support the bill: does it improve the status quo that is failing many Americans and which side to take, the working class families or the insurance companies. He feels it is failing and he wants to support the families of his congressional district.

"This legislation takes several important steps to lower costs and make coverage more affordable," Bishop said. "It includes tort reform, holds insurance companies accountable for keeping down premiums, prevents denials of care and coverage for pre-existing conditions, and will create a health care insurance marketplace that will give millions of Americans the kinds of options enjoyed today by all federal employees, including Members of Congress."

In the statement, Bishop listed a number of reasons people will benefit from the bill:

-Reduces the prescription drug 'donut hole' by $250 and provides a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs, while eventually eliminating the donut hole altogether.

-Provides free preventative services and immunizations for Medicare beneficiaries.

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

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

-Creates a $10 billon fund to finance 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.

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

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

"I will cast my vote to put Long Islanders back in charge of their health care and expand options for families and small businesses in my district," he said.