Congressman Hoyer Talks Health Care, Financial Aid at BSU

Hoyer and other officials met with students in the Special Collections Room of the Thurgood Marshall University Library to discuss the historic legislation that will bring sweeping changes to the nation's health care system and federal student aid programs. One of the major benefits of the Health Care Reform Bill recently signed by President Obama is a provision that allows young people to remain covered under the parents' health care insurance for a longer period.

"It's a big deal for children to stay on their parents insurance until 26; that is a critical addition to the students' security," Hoyer said, adding that he believes that children just think just because they are young they'll never get sick.  "Many students believe they'll never get sick, but it can happen." 

Hoyer praised the president for accomplishing a legislative feat that began nearly a century ago.  "President Obama has done something that took nearly a hundred years to do."  Hoyer is also thankful of this bill because insurance companies can't discriminate against people.  "People with pre-existing conditions will not be discriminated against.  I don't blame insurance companies for making money, but you shouldn't say no to people who have conditions like asthma."

Starting right away, tax credits will be available for small businesses and there will be relief for seniors who fall into the Medicare prescription drug "donut hole" gap in coverage. Hoyer said in a statement released shortly after the legislation was passed. Later this year, a high-risk insurance pool will be available for those who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition, all children with pre-existing conditions will be covered, and insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping coverage for people when they get sick and imposing restrictive annual and lifetime limits on coverage. These reforms will be followed by the creation of insurance exchanges, opening up a transparent and competitive marketplace that will offer the choice of several private plans and provide tax credits for middle-class families to make health care more affordable.

The congressman, whose district includes portions of Prince George's County, said he is just as happy and appreciative for the Student Aid Bill also known as the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.  The bill is the largest investment in history for students to pay for college.  The bill also invests more than $2.5 billion in HBCUs.

Hoyer said he thinks that passing the bill will help students become more successful and aware of the nation's financial situation.  "Students in college should be aware, focused, and concerned about our nation's debt but at the same time need to be competitive with students in other countries."