SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC—Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. Barbara Mikulski joined Jennifer Luray of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance at a media availability today following the Democratic caucus lunch. Mikulski’s amendment to The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act would require all health plans to cover comprehensive women’s preventive care and screenings at no additional cost to women. It would also preserve the doctor-patient relationship and protect patients’ ability to consult with their doctors on what services are best for them.
“No Senator has done more for women’s health than Barbara Mikulski, and her work to develop this amendment adds to that long legacy,” said Reid. “Like our entire reform proposal, Senator Mikulski’s amendment will save lives and save money. As the first amendment to this health reform bill, the American people will be watching to see if Republicans are truly committed to fixing our broken health care system.”
Mikulski said, “For many insurance companies, simply being a woman is a pre-existing condition. Women pay more and get less. My amendment guarantees access to preventive screenings for the number one killers of women–heart disease, cancers and chronic conditions like diabetes–to save lives and save money.”
“We are concerned that at a time when one-third of women who qualify for screening today are not being screened due to a lack of access, education or awareness, that this confusion will drive more women away from screening,” said Luray. “As such, the Komen Advocacy Alliance is offering its support of Senator Mikulski’s amendment, which will ensure that all women who need and want mammograms will be able to get them.”
