Sen. Baucus introduces health care reform legislation

After more than a year of preparation, and holding more than 40 health care events in the state, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus on Wednesday introduced the America's Healthy Future Act, his landmark health care reform legislation that will lower costs and provide quality, affordable health care coverage for all Montanans and all Americans.

Baucus, chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, released his plan — known as a "Chairman's Mark" — during a nationally televised news conference.

Baucus' plan will make it easier for families and small businesses to buy health care coverage while ensuring Montanans can choose to keep their current health care coverage if they like it, and slowing the growth of health care costs over time. It will block insurance companies from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions or imposing annual caps or lifetime limits on the amount of coverage they will provide. The bill would also improve the way the health care system delivers care by improving efficiency, quality and coordination.

In addition, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the Baucus plan would make an $856 billion investment in the health care system over 10 years. That investment would not add to the federal deficit. Instead, the plan would be fully paid for through increased focus on quality, efficiency, prevention and adjustments in federal health program payments.

"I've been talking with Montanans for more than a year about health care reform, and this plan is a culmination of all our efforts. This plan is balanced, based on common sense, and is right for Montanans and Americans. This is our moment to finally make quality, affordable health care available to everyone," Baucus said. "Our health care system is simply unsustainable. It is breaking the bank for everyone from families to small businesses. My plan will turn that around. It will fix the way Montanans get the care they need. I'm so proud to introduce this plan today, I'm looking forward to the finish line. It's time to get this done."

The full text of the America's Health Future Act is available at: http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/LEG 2009/091609 Americas_Healthy_Future_Act.pdf.

The Finance Committee will meet to begin voting on the legislation next week.