MORE THAN 1,100 FLORIDIANS RALLY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AT ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA ’S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM NOW STOPS IN FLORIDA
For Immediate Release
September 12, 2009
Contact: Joanne Peters, 202-465-9546
MORE THAN 1,100 FLORIDIANS RALLY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AT ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA ’S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM NOW STOPS IN FLORIDA
Follows stops across the country with thousands of supporters as momentum builds to pass health insurance reform this year
More than 1,100 Floridans rallied to support efforts to pass health insurance reform this year at Organizing for America's Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour stops in Orlando and Tampa today. Organizing for America Director Mitch Stewart was joined by U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson and OFA Florida State Director Ashley Walker in Orlando and was joined by OFA Florida Field Director John Bivona in Tampa. At both events Floridians shared their personal health care stories and discussed why they support health insurance reform now.
The stops followed stops in 11 other cities where thousands rallied to show their support for passing reform this year. The tour is part of a wider set of events being held throughout the nation highlighting the strong support for reform throughout the country. In the coming days, the Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour will make stops in New Orleans and Dallas to continue amplifying the urgency of reforming our health insurance system this year.
These strong showings of support offer further evidence of the building momentum behind President Obama’s plan and the on-going efforts to pass health insurance reform this year.
At its core, President Obama’s plan accomplishes two goals: it provides Americans who have insurance with unprecedented stability and security, and provides those who don’t with quality, affordable choices. It also reins in skyrocketing costs that are hurting American families and businesses - without adding a dime to our nation’s deficit.
President Obama’s plan holds insurance companies accountable and makes the system work better for consumers. The plan makes it illegal for insurance companies to deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition, limit the amount of coverage someone can receive, or cancel someone’s coverage when they get sick. It will cap out of pocket expenses and stop companies from charging extra for preventive care.
OFA Director Mitch Stewart
“Right now our system works better for insurance companies than it does for regular people. Right now, defenders of the status quo are putting special interest profits and partisanship above patient care. That’s why it’s so important we pass reform this year that gives all Americans more security and stability by bringing down costs, expanding choice, and guaranteeing everyone basic consumer protections. Let’s pass health insurance reform now.”
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson
"It's time for people with a conscience to stand up and speak out.”
OFA Florida Director Ashley Walker
“Right here in Florida, OFA has been organizing and empowering volunteers across the state to make a difference in the health insurance reform debate by hosting phone banks, canvasses, house parties, organizational meeting and earned media events aimed at building support for the President’s plan for reform. Floridians need reform. We cannot delay reform for yet another year, another election cycle or another administration. The status quo is unsustainable.”
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