November 19, 2021
Contact: Vincent DeMarco
Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative President Vincent DeMarco released the following statement today about the Build Back Better Act that was passed today by the United States House of Representatives:
“The Build Back Better Act will provide enormous new health benefits for Americans, and we applaud Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and all of the members of the House of Representatives who voted for it. We thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for the framework on which the Build Back Better Act is based. This final package represents the largest expansion of health care in more than a decade and will help millions of Americans lead healthier lives.
“The measure will reduce premiums for more than 9 million Americans who get coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace – by an average of $600 a year; expand coverage to an estimated 4 million people; lower prescription drug spending, make permanent federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), expand Medicare to cover hearing benefits for seniors, extend postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage, and increase Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories.
“We urge the U.S. Senate to move quickly to pass this measure. It will mean more affordable insurance for many in Maryland, will expand coverage in our state, make prescription drugs more affordable, and help seniors pay for vital services. This is a historic moment, and we applaud all those who back this plan.
“We especially salute the Members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation who support this measure, especially Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer who are key players on health care and have been real leaders on the issue for many years. Their work will make America and Maryland healthier, and we are grateful for their commitment on this issue.”
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Last modified: May 3, 2022
