Patients Action Network

Health System Reform Coming Soon?

bmccabe — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:39:14 +0000

This afternoon (March 15), the House Budget Committee will begin consideration of a reconciliation bill that will carry refinements to H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health system reform legislation. The Budget Committee is scheduled to begin meeting at 3:00 pm and plans to stay in session until midnight.

A 2,300 page bill has been posted on the Budget Committee web site. Importantly, this bill is NOT the vehicle that House leaders intend to bring to the floor. The language contained in this “shell” vehicle will ultimately be stripped out and replaced with new legislative language that is not yet available for review. We do not expect the true reconciliation bill language to be released before Tuesday.

Following the Budget Committee’s action, the House Rules Committee will meet later this week and insert the final language into the bill before it is brought to the House floor for a vote. The floor vote is not expected to take place until the end of the week, perhaps on Friday or Saturday.

We will keep you informed as the process unfolds.

Now is the time for health system reform

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:25:19 +0000

Sometimes the task seems daunting, especially when you know there are 46 million uninsured people in our country, and their ranks are growing every day; that patients and their doctors have to fight with insurers to approve treatment, and then fight again for payment; and that dedicated doctors are driven from the profession by the burdens of bureaucracy, astronomical medical liability premiums and payments that fail to cover practice costs.

But with great challenges come great opportunities. We need reforms that will:

Maintain the relationship between patients and their doctors;
Expand coverage to all Americans through a choice of plans;
Repeal the flawed Medicare physician payment system that harms seniors’ access to care;
Curb insurance industry practices that frustrate patients—and their doctors!

Use our Patients’ Action Hotline at (888) 434-6200 to call Congress. Or Take Action here.

Talk to your doctor about health reform

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:36:55 +0000

Health system reform is all over the media—from newspapers to TV to YouTube.

What must not get lost in the current debate is that almost everyone agrees reforms are needed. We need to work toward consensus around the considerable common ground that exists and re-commit to resolving the differences.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:54:18 +0000

This year, comprehensive health system reform is a top priority for Congress and the Obama administration. Help shape health system reform and stay informed on the latest legislation by joining the Patients’ Action Network on Facebook and Twitter. We’re also on some of your other favorite social networking sites; check us out on those by clicking on the buttons below.
By sharing your thoughts, stories, questions and ideas, you can help lead the conversation on health system reform. And by spreading the word to your friends and family, we can convince Congress to pay attention and promote access to quality health care for all Americans.

We want to connect with you. Share what is on your mind. Find out how to get involved. Ask questions and become a part of shaping the health system reform debate.

Stay connected with the Patients’ Action Network:

Spread the Word

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:49:49 +0000

Encourage your friends and family to join your efforts and join the Patients’ Action Network.