[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 35 (Monday, March 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE AMERICAN HEALTH SECURITY ACT OF 2015

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2015

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the American 
Health Security Act of 2015, legislation to provide comprehensive 
health coverage to every American and recognize that health care is a 
human right.
  The Affordable Care Act was a dramatic step forward in improving the 
health security of the American people. This landmark law has expanded 
access to coverage, improved the solvency of our public programs, and 
made numerous reforms that have saved consumers billions of dollars. As 
we look for ways to build upon and strengthen the law, we must 
recognize that millions of Americans continue to fall through the 
cracks in the private health insurance market. The only way to truly 
ensure that access to quality health care is a right enjoyed by every 
American is through a single-payer system.
  The American Health Security Act builds upon the success of the 
Affordable Care Act by providing universal health coverage to all 
Americans. It creates a framework that allows states to administer 
their own universal health insurance systems, subject to rigorous 
federal standards. Benefits would be comprehensive, costs would be 
contained, and patients would have full choice of doctor and hospital. 
This universal model would put an end to the inequities that continue 
to plague our system and jeopardize the health security of American 
families.

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