Obama thanks nurses, the ‘beating heart’ of medical system, for backing health care overhaul

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Obama thanks nurses for backing health care bill

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is thanking nurses for supporting the new health care law.

Addressing a meeting in Washington of the American Nurses Association on Wednesday, Obama said nurses are the “beating heart” of the health care system.

With support from the nurses and other medical groups, Obama signed legislation this year that provides health coverage for young adults on their parents’ plans until they turn 26, $250 rebates for seniors to pay for prescription drugs and tax credits for some small business to help cover their employees. Insurers also are banned from denying sick people coverage.

The Obama administration on Wednesday also announced new funding to help educate and train full-time nurses.