Congress Poised to Take Final Vote on Health Care Reform; NABTC Urges Action

March 16, 2010

Final House and Senate votes on the health care reform legislation are expected the week of March 15, although some reports have suggested a delay in the vote timing. The House will consider the Senate-passed bill, and then both Houses are scheduled to consider amendments to the underlying Senate bill. While Democratic leaders and President Obama are pressing for the “yes” votes necessary for passage, there is much press coverage of the procedures that may be used to secure passage of the reform bill.

The North American Brain Tumor Coalition has not commented on those procedural matters, but it has once again joined with colleagues in the patient advocacy community to articulate the elements of health reform that are critical for cancer patients and others with serious and life-threatening illnesses.

The NABTC recommends that any bill approved by Congress and signed into law protect against the use of pre-existing condition exclusions by insurance companies, provide patients protection against unreasonable cost-sharing requirements, and assist families and individuals with the purchase of health insurance.

The letter signed by the NABTC and other members of the Cancer Leadership Council urges Congress to approve health reform legislation without delay. The letter signed by the NABTC is attached. CLC Urges Collaborative Action on Health Care Reform February 2010

Posted in General News, Health Care Reform