New Jersey Action Center

HOUSE ACTION ON HEALTH CARE REFORM IGNITES HOPE FOR FAMILIES FIGHTING CANCER 

Statement from Donald Distasio, CEO, American Cancer Society of NY & NJ, regarding House of Representatives passage of Senate health care reform legislation

“Rhetoric, politics, and bickering aside, lawmakers are showing they remember the heart of health care reform - patients.  Cancer patients and their families, many teetering on the brink of financial ruin, are anxiously watching as progress unfolds in Washington. This positive momentum must continue.

"The bill contains provisions to refocus the system to emphasize prevention; guarantees quality, affordable coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions; reduces the cost burden on families; eliminates lifetime coverage limits; covers routine health costs for those who enroll in clinical trials; and emphasizes patients’ quality of life. Yes, these are vital issues to those with cancer, but everyone benefits from measures designed to make health care accessible and affordable to all.

"As work begins to reconcile differences in the two houses, we urge legislators to put people ahead of politics and do what is right for America:  agree on meaningful health care reform now."

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