The White House
Health Care Reform Today
September 29, 1993
- First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, in her
opening statement yesterday on Capitol Hill: "I'm
here as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a
woman. I'm here as an American citizen concerned
about the health of her family and the health of
her nation."
- Today, as the First Lady continues her
testimony, we should talk about the need to
provide health security to all. Here's how: The
Health Security plan guarantees comprehensive
health benefits for all American citizens and
legal residents, regardless of health or
employment status. Health coverage is seamless;
it continues with no lifetime limits and without
interruption if Americans lose or change jobs,
move from one area of the country to another,
become ill or confront a family crisis.
- The misinformation concerning mammograms
continues. In response, the First Lady's answer
sets the record straight. She said: "What we
have done is to absolutely include them in the
comprehensive benefits package. Every woman for
whom any doctor believes it is medically necessary
or appropriate can start at whatever age is the
age that doctor thinks is the one that she should
begin. I take this very personally. They will be
covered. No woman will be turned away. They will
be part of the guaranteed benefits package. And
then, for women most at risk over 50, as a further
inducement for women to come in and do it, they
will be absolutely free as part of the preventive
services we provide."
- Senator Bob Dole, speaking yesterday to the
Atlantic Information Services Corporation, was
very upbeat about the Health Security Act saying:
"...I've said to my colleagues, as the Republican
leader in the Senate, I think we ought to start
down the same road together, or start up the same
road together, whichever, and go as far as we can.
... We do believe in universal coverage. I think
that's the consensus on both sides of the aisle.
We're not certain how to get there, not certain
how long will it take to get there, but at least
we believe in that one basic principle."
- Bipartisan support for the Health
Security Act is vital. That's why the White House
will continue to consult with members of both
sides of the aisle...now and in the future.