Letter to the Editor: Senate bill is best for Ohioans
Toledo Blade – During an unusual Christmas Eve session, the U.S. Senate passed the Patient Protection and Affordability Act.
I join other members of the Leadership Team of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage in thanking Sen. Sherrod Brown for casting his vote in support of this act.
The bill is a true gift to Ohioans. For too many, relief from skyrocketing insurance premiums and healthcare costs, unfair insurance rules, and lack of access to care is long overdue.
Although far from perfect, the Senate legislation does expand coverage to 31 million Americans, including nearly 900,000 uninsured Ohioans, and does provide critical consumer protections improving healthcare security for Ohioans.
No longer will insurance companies be able to deny coverage to those with preexisting conditions, and help will be available for small businesses so they can afford to offer coverage to their employees.
Senator Brown worked hard to bring health-care reform to Ohio and the nation.
Mr. Brown’s compromises were principled and consistent with the almost insurmountable task of getting a bill through the Senate where the filibuster requires a three-fifths of a majority to move forward.
