AMA Applauds House for Making an Investment in Health Care Through Stimulus
For immediate release
Jan. 28, 2008
Statement attributable to:
Joseph Heyman, MD
AMA Board Chair
"The AMA applauds the U.S. House for making an investment in health information technology and addressing the health care needs of the poor and the recently unemployed through the economic stimulus package. The investment in the safety net through more support for Medicaid will maintain the program that cares for some of our most vulnerable populations, and we look forward to the day that everyone has access to affordable health insurance.
"Short-term COBRA premium assistance for the unemployed and extended COBRA eligibility for those 55 and older will help many Americans hold onto their health insurance. During this difficult time, by extending COBRA benefits, the bill will ensure that the loss of a job does not also mean that health insurance coverage is out of reach for the unemployed.
"The significant investment in Health IT will pave the way for widespread adoption, and we look forward to working with the new administration to ensure that it is implemented in a manner that will work in physicians' offices and provide maximum benefit to both patients and physicians."
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For more information, please contact:
Mollie Turner
AMA Media Relations
(202)789-7430
