Mar. 23, 2010: Congressman Ryan Comments on the Signing of the Health Care Reform Bill

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-17) commented today on the signing of the Health Care Reform Bill by President Obama:

“I cannot think of a higher honor than being a part of this historic moment as President Barack Obama signs the Health Care Reform Bill into law.  Today is living proof that we can still do great things in America, and to quote President Obama, ‘we are not a nation that scales back it’s aspirations’. My colleagues and I worked hard and made difficult decisions in order to create a bill that would bring real, tangible change to our communities and our country. In the 17th district, the benefits are real.  Health Care Reform will:

• Improve coverage for 355,000 residents with health insurance.
• Provide tax credits and other assistance to up to 180,000 families and 12,300 small businesses to help them afford coverage.
• Improve Medicare for 109,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole.
• Extend coverage to 39,000 uninsured residents.
• Guarantee that 9,300 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.
• Protect 1,700 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.
• Allow 53,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents’ insurance plans.
• Provide millions of dollars in new funding for 4 community health centers.
• Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $11 million annually.

Also, my staff and I will directly participate in this reform: effective 2014, all federal employees will use the health care exchange in lieu of their current coverage. I know that when my constituents witness the widespread impact of this bill, those who opposed it will find their fears unfounded, and those who supported it will finally get the relief they deserve. As Vice President Biden said earlier today, ‘history is made when passion is matched with principle.’”

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