Guam and other U.S. territories have been included in the House of Representatives health care reform bill.  The Affordable Health Care for America Act, according to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, aims to reform healthcare insurance by reducing the overall cost of healthcare, expanding coverage, lifting insurance caps, strengthening Medicare, and providing for a public option.

Bordallo adds the bill includes specific provisions that will allow Guam and other territories to opt into the National Health Insurance Exchange to allow those who are uninsured to purchase affordable health insurance.  The legislation would also increase Medicaid funding by $34 million and an additional $3 million until 2019.

Healthcare Committee chairman Senator Frank Aguon, Jr. says he's anxious to see the final result of the House and Senate's healthcare reform measures.  He told KUAM News, "If we are not able to incorporate the territories into overall healthcare reform, let's start increasing the percentages and the amounts with other health care programs that are applicable to Guam, and Medicare and Medicaid are excellent examples."

Sen. Aguon added, "In the next five years you could conceivably see a doubling of the Medicare and Medicaid investment that is received by many of our people."