Press Release

AHA Statement on House Passage of Health Reform Bill

Contact:
Alicia Mitchell - (202) 626-2339/(202) 253-8629
Jennifer Armstrong Gay - (202) 626-2342/(202) 253-6892

Washington D.C.

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Rich Umbdenstock
President and CEO
American Hospital Association

March 21, 2010

For years, America's hospitals have worked hard to make coverage for all a reality.    Today, a historic and long overdue step was taken toward achieving that worthy goal.   This bill, which we support, will make a real difference in lives of millions of Americans. 

Health care is at a tipping point and the shortcomings within our health care system can no longer be ignored.  Today's vote will chart a new and better course for our nation's health and health care.  Bottom line: the health reform bill may not be perfect, but it expands coverage to 32 million people, enacts significant insurance market reforms and lays a solid foundation upon which we can continue to build.

We applaud this landmark effort and look forward to continuing to work with the Administration, Congress and all stakeholders to further improve our health care system for the patients and communities we serve.

About AHA

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes more than 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, and 38,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.