"Whenever I am talking with people in Maine, whether it be someone who is self-employed or the human resources director of a large company, they tell me their number one concern is the high cost of health insurance, and rightly so," said Senator Collins. "The simple fact is, health insurance matters. People with health insurance are healthier than those who are uninsured. People without health insurance are less likely to seek care then they need it, and forgo services such as periodic check-ups and preventive health care. As a consequence, they are more likely to be hospitalized or require costly medical attention for conditions that could have been prevented or treated at a curable stage."
The goals of Senator Collins's legislation are to:
Expand access for small business Help individuals and families afford insurance Strengthen the "safety net" Expand access to providers in underserved areas Assist with long-term care Promote healthier lifestyles Provide more equitable Medicare payments to Maine providers
"This plan makes significant strides toward the goal of universal health care coverage by brining millions more Americans into the insurance system, by strengthening the health care safety net, and my addressing the inequities in the Medicare system," the Senator said.
In keeping with her efforts to work with Senators from both parties, Senator Collins has introduced The Access to Affordable Health Care Act with Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA).
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