Gov. Gregoire on national healthcare legislation: Landmark vote will help BHP

Gov. Chris Gregoire sent out a statement last night after the national healthcare  legislation passed. She said she applauds the landmark vote. “It will make insurance more affordable by providing the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history and it will help over 32 million Americans afford coverage.”

“The President’s plan gives American families and small business owners more control over their own health care. The bill shifts health care decision making authority away from insurance companies to the citizens whose health is at risk. It will also, importantly, end discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions.

Read the full statement below the jump.

“Here in our state we are preparing to implement health reform the “Washington way” to ensure that families in need are given the protection and coverage they deserve.

“I want to thank members of our delegation who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Washington State and, in turn, the rest of the nation. The health reform bill will, at long last, rectify a long-standing inequity in Medicare reimbursements. For too long, states like Washington that provide high quality care have been reimbursed at
rates far below states with poor health outcomes. Washington legislators were leaders among their colleagues to correct this
geographic disparity and bring fairness to the system. Similarly, our legislators led their colleagues to ensure language requiring Medicare to reimburse for value in health care, not just volume. That will pave the way for beneficiaries to receive the optimum care for their health and wellness.

“In addition to critical changes to Medicare, the health reform bill also opens up the opportunity for the federal government to be a real partner in supporting our state’s Basic Health Program in the short-and long-term.”

Tags: healthcare