Five Health Stakeholders Respond to Senate Reform Bill's Passage

Ken Johnson
Senior Vice President
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

"We applaud the Senate for taking an important and historic step toward expanding high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage and services to tens of millions of Americans, many of whom are struggling today financially. While considerable work remains to be done in reconciling differences between the Senate and House bills, we remain convinced that comprehensive healthcare reform, if done in a smart way, will benefit patients, our economy and the future of our nation.

"Most importantly, the Senate bill recognizes the importance of medical progress in America. Innovative, cutting-edge medicines have dramatically increased life expectancy rates in the United States and have allowed patients with cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other devastating chronic diseases to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. We strongly believe that everyone in America should benefit from promising new advances in medical care…

"Our commitment to comprehensive healthcare reform is evident by our $80 billion pledge to reduce healthcare costs over 10 years. To that end, our companies agreed back in June to help most eligible seniors and disabled Americans who hit the so-called 'donut hole' in Medicare Part D cut their out-of-pocket expenses on brand-name medications in half as part of the Senate's healthcare reform legislation. The remainder of our commitment will help the government expand healthcare coverage to millions of Americans."

A. Barry Rand
CEO
AARP

"The bill passed by the Senate makes needed progress to prevent coverage denials due to health status and limit insurance companies from charging older Americans much more for coverage because of their age. It also begins to close the dangerous gap in Medicare drug coverage known as the doughnut hole, and Senate leaders have committed that a final bill will close the gap entirely by 2019, in keeping with the President's pledge.

"In addition, the Senate bill adds important new Medicare benefits, like free preventive care, and encourages states to provide more home and community-based long-term care services and supports instead of costlier institutional care."

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