AMA Applauds Senate for Investing in Health Care Through Stimulus
For immediate release:
Feb. 10, 2009
Statement attributable to:
Joseph Heyman, MD.
AMA Board Chair
“The AMA applauds the U.S. Senate for making an investment in health information technology (Health IT) and addressing the health care needs of the poor and the recently unemployed through the economic stimulus package. In this tough economy, expanding Medicaid and COBRA benefits is a necessary stop-gap measure. It's hard enough to be unemployed; we don't want the unemployed to also be uninsured.
“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 will ensure that the loss of a job does not necessarily mean that health insurance coverage is out of reach.
“We plan to work closely with members of the House-Senate conference committee to craft a final bill that improves health care coverage, promotes widespread adoption of Health IT that will work in physicians’ offices, and promotes independent clinical effectiveness research.”
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Mollie E. Turner
Public Information Officer
202-789-7430
