Local News

Nelson: It Doesn't Have Everything, But It's Good

Rich Jones, News Director

@ December 21, 2009 12:18 PM Permalink | Comments (9)

Here is a statement release by Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida) following this morning's vote on the health care bill:

"In voting to move a health-care bill forward, my main goal was to help pass legislation that'll make health coverage more affordable and available for everybody. And one of my top priorities remains protecting seniors. Recently, I was able to pass an amendment to the bill that excluded some 800,000 policyholders all across Florida from cuts to Medicare Advantage.

"I believe that no matter where people stand on certain specifics of this complex issue of reforming health care, most all of us should agree the current system can be unfair and too costly. It's broken - and, it needs to be fixed.

"The legislation in the Senate certainly doesn't have everything l want, like forcing drug companies to lower prices for prescriptions covered under Medicare or allowing seniors to import lower-cost drugs from Canada. But no piece of legislation does.

"And when it comes to health care reform, we can't afford to sit by and do nothing anymore.
"I firmly believe this legislation will provide more affordable coverage for millions of uninsured Americans, prevent insurance companies from dropping folks who get sick and stop them from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. The legislation will also help reduce the country's deficit."

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What others are saying

If you think that someone on a fixed income can pay $15,000.00 per year for Medical premiums, prescriptions and copays, then knock what he did. When you are on Medicare, you don't have an employer paying your benefits. I'll be laid off this year and won't get the deal even though I will enroll in Medicare this year. Better to spend your time trying to get our representatives to let Medicare and the Health Care Plan negotiate drug prices like the VA does and has 48% less costs. This bill is a hot potato. Nobody wants to pay because it costs too much. We'll all be paying $15,000 to $20,000.00 a year or pay a fine and have no insurance. This bill is not good for anyone.
By Rosalie Thomson @ 01/16/10 10:15:10 PMreport abuse
Bill needs to go!!
Although I do agree that the current system needs to be fixed, it doesn't need to be overhauled and taken over by a bunch of senators that can be bought!! Bill is one who has sold his soul to the highest bidder! He needs to go!!!
By Jim @ 12/22/09 05:43:19 AMreport abuse
Bad BILL
Sen. NELSON! You and your cronies in Washington CANNOT LAWFULLY pass this garbage sir! It is against every tennant conceived by the framers of the CONSTITUTION that LIMITS your power to do so. if you vote for this bill sir, I WILL FIRE YOU and anyone else I can vote against!
By Jim K @ 12/21/09 04:41:24 PMreport abuse
Reid's puppet with the "I " problem
It's always about what Bill Nelson wants. Hey Bill, how about what Floridians want?

Is your senate mail box still full (broken)?
By George W @ 12/21/09 04:20:57 PMreport abuse
Bill's Bill
Bill and this bill are stupid...If he thinks taking my money to pay for this he should check his wallet next election. Voting for ABB...Anyone But Bill...
By Jim Beeler @ 12/21/09 02:51:37 PMreport abuse
Healthcare reform?
Everyone has a price to sell out his beliefs...what a shame
By Jim @ 12/21/09 02:07:23 PMreport abuse
Re-election 2010
Your vote for a health program that people do not want leaves you open to the constituents that you ignore to become activist in politics and do everything possible to insure that you, Bill Nelson, are not re-elected.
By James L Yancey Jr @ 12/21/09 01:32:23 PMreport abuse
Health Care
Bill Nelson needs to be be removed from office!!!
By Jay @ 12/21/09 12:46:14 PMreport abuse
Nelson sells his vote
Recently, I was able to pass an amendment to the bill that excluded some 800,000 policyholders all across Florida from cuts to Medicare Advantage.

Isn't that just lovely?Special treatment for Floridians. What ever became of "equal treatment under the law"?
By Mary Pearl @ 12/21/09 12:42:36 PMreport abuse