WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) released the following statement.

“I am voting for HR 3962 because the choice of doing nothing was not an option.  During my negotiations to help improve the bill for our Valley, I was able to achieve funding for a medical school in the Valley, with studies at UC Merced and residency in Fresno as well as additional incentives to bring health professionals to our Valley. Increased funding in this bill for programs ranging from nurse training to health career opportunity programs to community health centers and increased reimbursement rate for low-paying Medicaid will go a long way in strengthening our health system in the Valley.

“This bill takes steps to end the hidden costs in our current health care systems that are now paid for by all Americans.  There are also a number of important measures in the legislation which resolve issues with catastrophic care, allowing for portability, incentives for preventative care and end exclusions for preexisting conditions.

“This process is not over though.  There are still challenges on cost containment which concern me.  I will have a full dialogue with my constituents over the next few months to ensure all the health care needs in the Valley are met.

“I will reserve the option to oppose the final version of the bill if cost containment and Valley health care needs are not fully met.”