U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai‘i, issued this statement on the health care bill Sunday. “Today, we take a stand for hard-working middle class families who deserve a better value for their health care dollar. We take a stand for better
U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai‘i, issued this statement on the health care bill Sunday.
“Today, we take a stand for hard-working middle class families who deserve a better value for their health care dollar. We take a stand for better health care for America’s seniors. We take a stand for those who have been denied insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition or whose insurance is rescinded when they need it most.
“This has been a difficult debate. … Republicans and Democrats alike know that our health care system is broken and not sustainable. Our country spends more on health care than any other developed country and we fall far below these other countries in the health of our people. …
“Once this bill is passed, Americans will see immediate benefits: seniors will start to see immediate relief from high prescription prices with a $250 rebate for Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole; preventative services and immunizations will be free under Medicare right away — eliminating co-payments for preventative services and exempting preventative services from deductibles; and small businesses that provide coverage to their employees will be eligible for a tax credit of up to 35 percent of premiums. …
“My office has taken many calls and received many e-mails and letters on health care reform. A call that my office received on Friday was particularly heartfelt. It was from a woman on the island of Kaua‘i who called to tell me that she and her 93-year-old friend both wanted me to stay strong and to vote in support of health care reform. I mention this particular call because it reminded me of the people and places I represent, who I fight for every day, and what this health care debate is all about.”
