American Diabetes Association lauds passage of health reform in the Senate

The American Diabetes Association issues the following statement about the passing of HR 3590 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

"The passing of health reform in the Senate is a historic moment for our nation and for all people affected by diabetes," commented George J. Huntley, Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association. "People with diabetes have earned an important victory today because the Senate bill eliminates pre-existing condition exclusions, guarantees issue of insurance, prevents insurance companies from dropping someone because of illness, eliminates lifetime caps on benefits, limits out-of-pocket expenses, and provides subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford insurance.

"People at risk for diabetes also have gained a victory as the bill contains important provisions to help prevent type 2 diabetes and the serious and sometimes deadly complications associated with diabetes.

"These are long overdue improvements to our broken health care system. Passing this Senate bill brings us one step closer to moving our health care system from one that covers the complications related to diabetes to a system that provides access to the tools necessary to manage and prevent diabetes and its complications. We look forward to the House of Representatives and the Senate coming together to produce a final bill."