Larson Announces Health Care Reform Principles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2009

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295

CONGRESSMANLARSON ANNOUNCES HEALTH CARE REFORM PRINCIPLES

Washington, DC - Today, Democrats in the Houseof Representatives released their plan to make quality health care affordableand accessible to all Americans. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01),Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:

"Reforming health care in this country is vital to Americanfamilies and our economic recovery. Right now, we spend twice as much perperson on health care than any other country - and that isn't making us anyhealthier. If we do nothing, the cost of a family health insurance planwill be $24,000 a year by 2016. That means average American families willbe spending almost half of their income on health insurance.

"Any health care reform we undertake must stick to a few basicprinciples.

"First, you will always have health coverage - whether you move,lose your job or retire. If you like your doctor or health plan you cankeep it. You will always have that choice.

"We will lower costs for American families - so no one facesfinancial ruin because they get sick.

"If you have had cancer, heart disease or another pre-existingcondition it will be covered. Guaranteed.

"We must do all of this in a fiscally responsible way that doesnot add to the deficit.

"I commend the Chairmen of our committees for their hard work onthis issue and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this importantissue."

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