“For the first time in history, a comprehensive health care bill has passed both Houses of Congress,” said Will Pittz, Executive Director of Washington CAN!. “Yesterday, Representatives Baird, Dicks, Inslee, Larsen, McDermott and Smith took a stand with their constituents against corporate insurance companies, and we applaud their courageous and necessary action.”
For over a year, residents of Washington State engaged in an intense effort to pass comprehensive health care reform. From hundreds of thousands of phone calls, letters and e-mails, to thousands marching in the streets of the state, Washingtonians made it clear that the health care system needed to change.
“This vote means the world to me as a mother and as an individual with a pre-existing condition. I’ve been living without health insurance because I can’t afford paying the $700 a month premiums, and this bill means that people in my situation will finally have real options,” said Maribel Peralez, resident of Edmonds, WA.
This bill will give health care to 32 million Americans and save over 30,000 lives per year. It will stop some of the worst insurance company practices: they will no longer be able to deny care or charge more for pre-existing conditions, practice rescissions, or increase rates with impunity.
“But we’re not done yet,” said Dana Laurent, Political Director for Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington. “American women and families are counting on the Senate to approve the final fixes to the health care legislation passed by the House and continue the fight to strengthen women’s health, and achieve quality, affordable health care for all.”
