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Senate Committee Advances Health Reform Package

The U.S. Senate is considering a sweeping health care reform bill that includes provisions authored by Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

“A far reaching bill that I believe is going to make a real difference in providing more transparency, accountability and lower health care costs,” says Collins.

The bill, approved by the Senate Health Committee, includes directives aimed at preventing surprise medical bills, reducing prescription drug prices, and investing in public health. The measure now goes to the full Senate where it could be amended.

“We heard repeatedly how critical primary care is to getting a handle on health care costs,” says Collins. “By the year 2030, our country is projected to need 120,000 physicians.”

Journalist Mal Leary spearheads Maine Public's news coverage of politics and government and is based at the State House.