Pelosi Statement on 'Partnership for Patients: Better Care, Lower Costs'

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the Obama Administration announced the “Partnership for Patients: Better Care, Lower Costs” – a coalition with major hospitals, employers, doctors, nurses, and patient advocates to make hospital care safer, more reliable, and less costly:

“Today’s announcement fulfills a fundamental goal of the Affordable Care Act – strengthening Medicare at a time when Republicans want to end it, while bringing the public sector together with our nation’s health care providers and advocates to ensure patient safety.

“This initiative will prevent injuries, save lives, and help patients heal without complications, while cutting costs for families and seniors and reducing the deficit by billions of dollars.

“With this partnership, the Affordable Care Act will continue to make a real difference in the lives of millions of households nationwide – ensuring the safety of our patients; improving the quality of care; and securing more affordable, accessible coverage for all Americans.”

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Background:

This initiative will receive a nearly $1 billion investment from the Affordable Care Act for measures to reduce hospital-acquired conditions and prevent complications during transitions between care settings, and will save more than 60,000 lives and up to $35 billion in the next three years.