Congresswoman praises billions of dollars in additional support to Arizona’s Medicaid Program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords tonight issued the following statement on the final passage of landmark health insurance reform legislation.
Health insurance reform is a reality in America. After decades of debate, our country took a giant leap forward Thursday night with the final passage of historic legislation that will extend health insurance to millions of American families.
I am particularly pleased that the bill we passed addressed my concerns about funding for Arizona’s Medicaid program. As a result of the changes I fought for, our state will receive billions of additional dollars to support the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.
The reforms that now are the law of the land mean that insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. They mean that seniors will have access to affordable medications. They mean that young adults can stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26. And they mean that small businesses will finally be able to provide insurance to their employees.
Make no mistake, these are significant accomplishments. They did not come easily or quickly but change rarely is easy or quick. I am confident that these reforms are in the best interests of the men and women I represent in Congress.