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Michaud Statement on Introduction of Health Care Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud issued the following statement after House leaders and the committees on Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means introduced the "American Affordable Health Choices Act."

"I am pleased that we are moving forward with health care reform and that the bill introduced today includes a public option. Like the President, I believe that if people like their current health insurance that they should be able to keep it and continue to see the doctors that they have grown to trust.  But if people don't like their health insurance or have none, a properly structured public insurance option could provide an affordable alternative.

"Health care reform is too big of an issue to rush, and it's important that Mainers know what it consists of before Congress votes on it.  The need for reform is undeniable, but so is the need to get it right.  As I review this bill and the process moves forward, I am going to be working to make sure that Maine small businesses and rural areas are treated fairly.

"I still have grave concerns that rural states like Maine will be negatively impacted if the final bill adopts Medicare-like reimbursement rates.  Currently, the formula used to reimburse physicians and hospitals through Medicare puts rural states at a disadvantage by undercutting payments to our health care providers and contributing to higher health care premiums in Maine.  Making matters worse, there is a severe shortage of health care providers in our state, and this number will continue to decrease unless we can develop a reimbursement system that will not drive our providers out of business and, ultimately, out of Maine altogether.

"I have posted a link to the full text of the bill, currently at 1018 pages, on the front page of my website and I look forward to receiving input from the people of Maine.

I remain hopeful that Congress will live up to the President's goals of passing comprehensive reform that is deficit-neutral and that lowers costs for our families and businesses, increases the quality of care provided, and expands access for every American."

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