Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D., (Dem. Wisconsin) said the Affordable Health Care for America Act will have immediate benefits for families and individuals in Northeast Wisconsin. 

Leadership in the House of Representatives said they are moving toward a vote on health-care legislation by the end of the week.  When the bill is passed into law, several provisions will take effect on January 1, 2010.

“As soon as this bill is signed into law we will begin to close the donut hole in Medicare part D and provide coverage for those most in need,” Dr. Kagen said.  “My patients cannot afford to wait any longer and when we pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act, they won’t have to.”

On January 1, 2010, the Affordable Health Care for America Act would:

Begin to close the Donut Hole in Medicare Part D

The bill reduces the Donut Hole by $500 and institutes a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs, on January 1, 2010.

Increase number of primary care physicians

Provide new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care physicians, nurses, and public health professionals.

Continued Coverage for displaced workers

Allow citizens to keep their COBRA coverage until the Exchange is in place and they can access affordable coverage.

Provide immediate help for the uninsured

Create a temporary insurance program for individuals who have been uninsured for several months or have been denied a policy because of pre-existing conditions.

Eliminate deductable and co-pays for preventive services in Medicare

Eliminate co-payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.

Expand community health centers

Increase funding for Community Health Centers like those in Green Bay, Menasha and Lakewood to allow for a doubling of the number of patients seen by these centers over the next five years.

This information and more is available at http://www.kagen.house.gov/healthcare