Rangel Explains Health Care Reform In Harlem
NEW YORK - Congressman Charles Rangel and Health and Human Services Counsel Region II Director Jaime Torres were among several speakers that explained the new consumer benefits under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act at forum held at Harlem Hospital.
“While the healthcare reforms ushered this year by Congress are the law of the land, many people are still unaware of the many benefits and changes that are now in effect,” said Congressman Rangel at the forum. “I am proud to stand with so many community stakeholders to continue to get this important information out to the hardworking residents of Upper Manhattan.”
HHS Region II Director Dr. Jaime Torres agreed, saying that local outreach efforts like this one were key in attacking preventable diseases and lowering health care costs for everyone.
“This Administration and everyone at the Department of Health and Human Services are firmly committed to making sure that every New Yorker takes advantage of every benefit that they are entitled to under the new law,” said Dr. Torres. “The more time our residents can spend out of the emergency rooms and hospital wards, the more time they can spend with their families, the more productive they can be at work or school. The healthier our communities are, the better off our entire country will be.”
The event was co-sponsored by local areas hospitals, including Columbia University Medical Center, Harlem Hospital Center, Metropolitan Hospital Center, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital and St. Luke’s- Roosevelt Medical Center. Other speakers included Joe Baker of the Medicare Rights Center and Norma Harris of the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services.
“Access to quality healthcare is a right that every American deserves, regardless of how much money they make, where they live or what they do for a living,” said Rangel. “We are only making this country stronger and more productive by ensuring that all of residents live longer and healthier lives.”
