July 14,2010

Baucus Comment on the Administration’s Prevention Regulation

MEMORANDUM

To: Reporters and Editors
From: Scott Mulhauser and Erin Shields
for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Re: Baucus comment on the Administration’s prevention regulation

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) issued the following comment today after the Administration announced regulations for coverage of recommended preventive services created in the Affordable Care Act.  Baucus championed health care reform in the Senate, and together with his colleagues, drafted the landmark health care reform law.  Today’s announcement details the law’s requirement of prevention coverage without cost sharing for anyone joining a health insurance plan on or after September 23, 2010.  From Chairman Baucus:

“Each of us knows how vital preventive services such as cancer screenings, vaccinations and flu shots are for our own health and the health of our families and communities.  Health care reform gives all Americans the peace of mind of knowing they have access to a plan that covers these critical preventive services without co-pays or deductibles,” Baucus said.  “Removing financial barriers to preventive services is a pragmatic, common-sense solution that will not only improve people’s health, but will also reduce health care costs throughout the system.  Up to 88 million Americans will have better access to preventive services, allowing countless illnesses to be caught sooner and treated more effectively.  Health care reform truly makes prevention a critical foundation of our health care system and our lives.” 

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