Ryan, Wilson speak out on health-care reform

YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan and Charlie Wilson told reporters today health-care reform is imperative for their constituents.

“The insurance companies have been raking people over the coals. They’ve been denying people coverage because they have cancer, heart disease and a variety of other illnesses. They don’t quality because of pre-existing conditions. Those days are over,” vowed Ryan of Niles, D-17th. “They’re rationing care now,” he said of the insurance companies.

“You’re going to get lower costs. You’re going to get better-quality care, and you will not be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition,” Ryan said.

“If we don’t do some health-care reform to help get better where we are, our nation is going to suffer. ... It’s a big project, but one that we need to do,” said Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th.

Ryan and Wilson predicted Congress will pass health-care reform by the end of the year.

The local congressmen endorse the reform proposal in House Bill 3200, which has passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee and still needs to come out of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

The congressmen spoke at an impromptu news conference at the Mahoning County High School on Hudson Avenue, where they and about 200 other people attended a juvenile crime summit.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com