IL Legislators Speak Out on Healthcare Reform

Last week in Chicago, Governor Quinn and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky were among several legislators speaking out in support of healthcare reform. Your American Heart Association is also monitoring the healthcare reform discussion very closely.

The health care reform debate can be confusing– the current health insurance system is very complex and there are several different bills to reform it. Many people are left with questions about the different proposals and just what the bills mean for them.

Why does the American Heart Association support health care reform?
We believe that the bills before Congress, while not perfect, will make care more available and affordable for the millions of individuals with heart disease and stroke who are uninsured or have inadequate coverage. The bills preserve what works in our current healthcare system; include an important and long overdue emphasis on preventing illness; and will help to improve the quality of care that everyone receives. The bills also make sure that individuals are protected from insurers that evade their obligations to pay for needed care.