News: Federal Health Care Reform Update – Healthcare Bill Finally Passes
Your national AAP is keeping track of the Federal Health Care Reform debate
Update 3-26-10: This week was a historic week for health reform: Last night marked the end of the year- long effort to pass comprehensive health reform legislation when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “reconciliation” bill (HR 4872) by a vote of 220-207. The bill will now go to President Obama for signature into law. The reconciliation bill includes many changes to the current health reform law, such as Medicaid payment reform.
The final push for health reform began Sunday evening, when the House voted to pass the Senate’s health reform bill (HR 3590), which was then signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday (March 23rd). The House also voted on Sunday to pass the first iteration of the reconciliation bill as the second piece to comprehensive health reform legislation, which the Senate voted 56-43 yesterday to pass with two minor changes to non-health care provisions. These revisions forced the measure back to the House for a re-vote last night.
This vote was the final legislative step needed for President Obama to sign the reconciliation package into law, thus completing the passage of comprehensive health reform legislation. The Academy released a statement on last night’s historic vote, and President Obama is expected to sign the final bill into law on Tuesday.
The implementation timeline for the health reform package has many of the law’s child health provisions set to be enacted in 2010. These include dependent coverage for young people up to age 26 for all individual and group policies, as well as the elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions for children..
Update 3-25-10: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which represents 60,000 pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and surgical specialists, commends the United States Senate and House of Representatives for their historic votes today to pass the final component of comprehensive health reform legislation. The AAP applauds Congress for its landmark votes and steadfast commitment to passing significant health reform legislation.
It is a new day in America. Congress’ passage of health reform will change the lives of countless Americans, and will go far in ensuring that our children can grow up healthy and strong. The AAP has been working for decades to keep children’s health needs our highest national priority, and this legislation directly reflects the tireless advocacy of AAP leadership and members on behalf of children and pediatricians.
Together, the recently enacted health reform law and the reconciliation package will benefit children and the pediatricians who care for them, which is why the Academy endorsed the legislation last week. The health reform package provides age-appropriate benefits to all children in a medical home: All Bright Futures services—the definitive standard of pediatric well-child and preventive care—will now be covered for children with private and public insurance as an immediate benefit for no co-pay. There is also a new commitment in Medicaid to help fund the medical home, and health reform ensures health care coverage for children in the United States, including young people up to age 26.
In addition, the reconciliation package will improve Medicaid payment to a floor of 100 percent of Medicare payment for preventive services codes for physicians with a pediatric designation starting in 2013. For the first time ever, there will be a new federal investment of $8.3 billion over ten years, a historic new step in improving Medicaid payment rates.
These reforms will improve the health care access, benefits and coverage of all children in the United States and will allow pediatricians to better provide comprehensive health services to the children who need care the most. The Academy also appreciates new clarification from Congress and the Obama Administration regarding the elimination of pre-existing conditions exclusions for children. Many sick children will receive health insurance due to this policy.
The passage of health reform is a significant investment in the health and future of our children. They will inherit the very system we are working to reform, and tonight’s final vote on health reform legislation marks a changed national commitment to the health and well-being of our children. The AAP extends thanks to President Barack Obama and the United States Congress for continuing to make the life success of every child our nation’s highest priority. We look forward to working with the President and Congress to implement these critical provisions to children’s health.
For more information on this update, click on the link below:
Federal Update 3-26-2010 -- Healthcare Reform Finally Becomes Law, Part 2 (PDF)
Federal Update 3-25-2010 -- Healthcare Reform Finally Becomes Law, Part 1 (PDF)
Federal Update 3-5-2010 -- Reform Summit (PDF)
Federal Update 2-26-2010 -- A New Proposal (PDF)
Federal Update 1-29-2010 -- More Progress on Resolving Differences (PDF)
Federal Update 1-15-2010 -- Progress on Resolving Differences (PDF)
Federal Update 12-24-2009 -- Senate passes Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PDF)
Federal Update 11-13-2009 -- House passes Affordable Health Care for America Act (PDF)
