For the first time in U.S. history, all Americans would have access to quality, affordable health care under updated health insurance reform legislation unveiled by House Democrats today. The House is expected to debate and vote on the legislation next week.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which blends and updates the three versions of previous bills passed by the House committees of jurisdiction in July, embodies President Obama’s key goals for health reform. It will slow the growth in out-of-control costs, introduce competition into the health care marketplace to keep coverage affordable and insurers honest, protect people’s choices of doctors and health plans, and assure all Americans access to quality, stable, affordable health care.

The legislation will ensure that 96 percent of Americans will be covered by a quality, affordable health plan. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost of expanding coverage at $894 billion, consistent with the $900 billion coverage mark laid out by President Obama. And the legislation will be paid for. CBO estimates the bill reduces the deficit by at least $30 billion over 10 years.

After the House Committees of jurisdiction debated and reported versions of the legislation in July, members of Congress have solicited unprecedented levels of input from the American people. Since then, the committees, House leadership, and the entire caucus have worked to revise the legislation to reflect the priorities that Members heard from their constituents.

“For over 70 years, generations have fought to bring the promise of quality, affordable health care to every American. Today is a groundbreaking moment in this historic effort,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. “The Affordable Health Care for America Act reflects the hard work and input of many members of Congress and the American people and lives up to the principles that President Obama has laid out. We are closer than ever to guaranteeing every American access to quality, affordable health insurance and giving middle-class families and businesses relief from crushing costs, while reducing our deficit.

“For too long, health care has been a privilege, not a right in America,” said U.S. Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. “This bill ensures that every American has access to high-quality, affordable care that meets their needs, while also working to slow the staggering growth of health care costs. We have worked long and hard to develop this consensus legislation that incorporates feedback from our constituents to deliver reform that will and protect and strengthen coverage for those who have it and help cover those who are currently uninsured.”

Click here to read more about this story.

Click here for more details on The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962),

Click here for more information on efforts to reform Medicare Payments For Physicians

■