SHAHEEN APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE, MEDICARE PROTECTION MEASURES
Shaheen cosponsored amendments to be included in Senate health care legislation
Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today applauded the passage of two measures she cosponsored to improve health services for women and secure Medicare benefits. The first measure would provide free preventive health services for women, and the second ensures that guaranteed Medicare benefits cannot be cut. Both amendments will now be included in the Senate's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which is currently before the Senate for debate.
"A key component of reforming the health care system is making sure patients have full access to the services they count on to keep them healthy," said Shaheen. "Both of these amendments will help us reach the goals of providing better preventive health care for women and guaranteeing that Medicare beneficiaries will receive the care they need now and in the future."
The first amendment Shaheen cosponsored requires all health plans to cover comprehensive women's preventive care and screenings at no additional cost to women. Women utilize the health care system more than men, and this measure will help reduce the costs women incur on cervical and breast cancer screenings and other preventive services.
The second amendment passed today ensures that no cuts can be made to guaranteed Medicare benefits and that savings found within Medicare will be reinvested in the program. Through increased efficiency, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act extends the life of Medicare, removes waste and fraud, lowers costs for seniors, and protects Medicare benefits.
