Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act Of 2009

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Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, I rise in support of Senator Mikulski's amendment, which improves the health care measures that are already in this act.

Women must shoulder the worst of the health care crisis, including outrageous discriminatory practices in care and coverage. Not only do we pay more for the coverage we seek for the same age and the same coverage as men do, but in general women of childbearing age spend 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men.

Some of the most essential services required by women are currently not covered by many insurance plans, such as childbearing, Pap smears, and mammograms. A standard in-hospital delivery can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 and much more if there are complications. You cannot imagine what it is like for a pregnant woman to recognize she may not have coverage for the essential services she needs for herself and her child. The health care bill before us ensures that this will no longer happen.

However, there is much room for improvement. In America today, too many women are delaying or skipping preventive care because of the costs of copays and limited access. In fact, more than half of women delay or avoid preventive care because of its cost.

This fundamental inequity in the current system is dangerous and discriminatory and we must act.

The prevention section of the bill before us must be amended so coverage of preventive services takes into account the unique health care needs of women throughout their lifespan.

With Senator Mikulski's amendment, even more preventive screening will be covered, including for post-partum depression, domestic violence, and family planning.

Covering more preventive screening at no cost to women will encourage that more women go to the doctor, improving their health, saving lives and, as Senator Mikulski brought out, saving money.

The whole point of this health care bill is to lower costs across the board. When you shift America's health care system to preventive services over the current emergency room services, you are going to do exactly that.

This amendment will ensure that the coverage of women's preventive services is based on a set of guidelines developed by women's health experts.

This amendment will also preserve the doctor-patient relationship, to allow the patient to consult with their doctor on what services are best for them.

This amendment will cost $490 million over 10 years and it is fully paid for.

The health care crisis in America must be addressed, and I am very supportive of Senator Mikulski's amendment.

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