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NEWS RELEASE
March 21, 2010
Historic health care legislation enacted: many problems addressed and many createdEffort to make needed improvements in the new law begins this week “For months, the legislation approved tonight by the U.S. House of Representatives has been hailed as the cure for all that ails the health care system, or reviled as a government takeover of health care. The truth is more complicated,” said James A. Klein, president of the American Benefits Council. “The legislation significantly expands coverage for millions of Americans, and takes steps toward aligning what we pay for health care and the quality of those services. But several aspects of the legislation will inevitably increase, rather than mitigate, health care costs; and the overall financial integrity of the measure depends on future Congresses and Presidents making very tough political decisions," Klein said. "For all stakeholders – including the employer members of the American Benefits Council, who sponsor the best coverage in the country – there are many unknowns. We urge the Senate to make much-needed improvements to the new law – starting this week – as it considers the budget reconciliation measure. We recognize that to do so will require further action by the House of Representatives; but it is essential that health reform be done right at this critical stage in the legislative process,” Klein concluded. To arrange an interview with Klein or other Council staff on health care reform matters, please contact Jason Hammersla, Council director of communications, at 202-289-6700 (office) or (202) 253-5458 (cell).
The American Benefits Council is the national trade association for companies concerned about federal legislation and regulations affecting all aspects of the employee benefits system. The Council’s members represent the entire spectrum of the private employee benefits community and either sponsor directly or administer retirement and health plans covering more than 100 million Americans.
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