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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2009

CONTACT: Ed Gilman, 202-225-6306

MichaudStatement on House Health Care Bill Unveiling

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud issued thefollowing statement after leaders in the House of Representatives unveiledtheir health insurance reform bill, H.R. 3962 - the Affordable HealthCare for America Act:

"We have an historic opportunity to pass health care reform.  Aftermonths of consideration and debate in three congressional committees, Houseleaders laid out their bill today.  While the actual language of the billis just now being made available for the Congress and the American public toread, I am pleased that reform efforts are progressing.

"We must bring stability and security to Americans who have insurance today,and affordable coverage to those who don't.  We must also promote fiscallyresponsible reform that will not add to our debt or the skyrocketing growth inthe cost of health care. The status quo is unacceptable and we must act. 

"One of my greatest responsibilities as a member of Congress is to alwaysask the question - Is this legislation good for Maine?  Over the last fewmonths, I talked to a lot of Mainers about health care reform during meetings,roundtables, and telephone town halls.  Families, individuals, smallbusinesses, and health care providers all raised specific concerns they hadwith various aspects of health care reform. Whether it's making sure healthinsurance is more affordable or that rural areas and small businesses aretreated fairly, Mainers have legitimate concerns that must be addressed in afinal bill.  We need reform, but we need it done right and we need it towork for our state.

"I have had some serious concerns with previous versions of the bill -specifically, how the cuts in Medicare would impact our seniors, home healthcare agencies, nursing homes and rural providers in Maine.  I am alsoconcerned about how low reimbursement rates already negatively impact ouroverall health care system in Maine.

"I have been working hard every day to resolve these concerns, and I willclosely examine this new bill to make sure that it is a good one forMaine.  I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues toaccomplish meaningful reform."

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