Press Statement
On the
DEFEAT OF S. 1955,
THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE MODERNIZATION AND AFFORDABILITY ACT
by
Eileen M. Ouellette, MD, JD, FAAP
AAP President

"The American Academy of Pediatrics thanks those members of the U.S. Senate who voted no last night on S. 1955. While the goal to secure health insurance coverage for small business owners and their employees was a laudable one, this bill would have eliminated critical health care services for millions of children. Child health care has already suffered enough with this Congress, given the funding cuts and benefit changes to Medicaid approved earlier this year. Our patients, including those with special health care needs, can't afford to lose any more.

"We appreciate those senators who recognized that S. 1955 wouldn't work. Congress should give serious consideration to S. 2510, the Durbin/Lincoln bill. It retains all state benefit mandates, such as immunizations and diabetes supplies, and small employers would be provided a tax credit to encourage participation."

# # #

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.