AHIP CEO comments on passage of Senate health care reform legislation

Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), released the following statement today on passage of Senate health care reform legislation:

"Providing all Americans with health care coverage is crucial for the country. Health plans support legislative changes that would provide guaranteed access to all Americans, with no pre-existing condition limitations and no health-status-based premiums. These reforms are essential to giving all Americans greater peace of mind and health security.

"At the same time, specific provisions in this legislation will increase, rather than decrease, health care costs; reduce coverage options; and disrupt existing coverage for families, seniors and small businesses - particularly between now and when the legislation is fully implemented in 2014.

"These issues can and should be addressed if health care reform is going to fulfill the promise of providing all Americans with guaranteed access to affordable, portable health care coverage."

SOURCE America's Health Insurance Plans