Passage of Health Reconciliation measure will reduce burden on Puerto Ricans

The National Puerto Rican Coalition today urged passage by the House of the so-called Health Reconciliation measure, which contains several provisions of importance to Puerto Rico.

"Under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi, the House has negotiated significant improvements to the earlier Senate version that will greatly increase the federal government's assistance to Puerto Rico for Medicaid, allowing Washington to reimburse the Island upwards of 80% of Medicaid expenses," said NPRC Chairman Miguel Lausell. "Once signed into law, these changes will enable Puerto Rico to receive the highest medical assistance percentage applicable to any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. It's like taking a huge burden off the backs of the Puerto Rican people."

NPRC President Rafael Fantauzzi noted that "the new provisions added by the House will enable Puerto Rico to participate in the new Health Benefits Exchanges, which will provide individuals and small businesses in Puerto Rico a variety of affordable health insurance options." Fantauzzi noted that "major consumer protections, including pre-existing condition limitations and restrictions on denials of benefits, will also be available through the Exchanges."

"House and Senate negotiators have labored hard to produce a bill that, while imperfect, goes a long way toward improving health care for all Americans, and especially in improving equality for Puerto Rico," observed Lausell. "While there's much work to do - especially in the area of Medicare funding for Puerto Rico - this legislation is a historic step forward."