House Passes Affordable Health Care for America Act – 11/7/2009

On Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 11:16 p.m., the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, a bill the Congressional Budget Office says would extend coverage to 36 million more Americans at a cost of approximately $1.2 trillion in the first 10 years. The bill was passed by a vote of 220-215, with Rep. Joseph Cao (LA) as the lone Republican joining 219 Democrats in supporting the bill. Thirty-nine Democrats joined 176 Republicans in opposing it.

The vote also shifted the battle over health care reform back to the U.S. Senate. With less than seven weeks left on its calendar, the Senate timeline to start debate on the Senate floor on a final bill is uncertain. Even if the Senate passes a bill, lawmakers will have to work out differences with the House proposal. While both bills would require Americans to carry health insurance, expand Medicaid to cover more people, provide subsidies to help families afford premiums and prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions, the bills still differ on a number of issues, including details associated with the public option.

If you have more questions about Health Care Reform, you can contact Greg Pemberton, Kevin Woodhouse or Sarah Cotterill, or any other member of Ice Miller's Health Law Practice Group.

This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.  The reader must consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader's specific circumstances.