"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which represents 60,000 pediatricians, pediatric
medical subspecialists, and surgical specialists, applauds the United States Senate for its vote to
pass its health reform agreement, embodied in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The Academy supports the legislation, and applauds the Senate for its tireless efforts to pass a
health reform agreement out of its chamber this year.
"While final health reform legislation will be shaped by a conference committee melding the
Senate's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the House of Representatives'
Affordable Health Care For America Act (HR 3962), the Senate's agreement includes several
components that take significant steps toward achieving the Academy's highest priorities for
health reform, including a provision that immediately grants all children comprehensive
preventive services. Investing in children in this manner is one of the best ways to truly bend the
cost curve by preventing habits and pediatric conditions that lead to costly adult disease.
"The Senate's historic vote was a necessary and important step toward passing comprehensive
health reform legislation in 2010. As the legislative process continues, the Academy looks
forward to working with leadership in both chambers of Congress to improve health reform for
children. The AAP will continue to advocate for children's unique health needs in health reform,
including strong provisions in Medicaid to make medical homes available to all children and
improved payment rates in Medicaid so that providing quality, affordable health care to all
children is possible.
The Academy commends both chambers of Congress for their work to date
to achieve health reform for our nation's children. As we move closer to sending health reform
legislation to President Obama's desk, we must continue to make the life success of every child
our highest national priority."
Statement attributed to Judith S. Palfrey, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics