WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) released the following statement regarding H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which was made public today.

“I am still in the process of reading H.R. 3962, but I am pleased to see the bill includes a negotiated rate for Medicare reimbursement and shifts how reimbursements are determined to focus on the quality of care rather than utilization.  Both of these provisions will benefit rural health care providers in the First District and across the nation.  Also, by repealing anti-trust exemptions for the health insurance industry we will finally bring real competition to the industry, helping to lower costs for consumers. However, language in the bill still does not do enough to prevent federal funding from going to abortion services.  I am disappointed the Capps Amendment has remained intact in H.R. 3962, mandating abortion services for the first time in our nation’s history.  I will continue to work with leadership to find satisfactory language on this issue.  Questions remain on several other sections of the bill, including the catastrophic coverage proposal, but I am pleased with the progress I have seen in H.R. 3962 so far.  As I read the bill more in-depth over the next few days I will continue to make the needs of Northern Michigan my first priority.”

H.R. 3962 will be available 72 hours for review before further action is taken on the bill.  Text of H.R. 3962 is available at http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf or www.thomas.gov.

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