Congressman Peter Welch says the new federal health care legislation will help 156,000 Vermont families and more than 20,000 businesses.
A day after Welch voted for the bill that passed the U.S. House, Welch said Vermonters should be able to feel the benefits of the bill in the coming months.
Welch says families will be able to take advantage of tax credits and other assistance to help them afford health coverage.
Small businesses will be able to participate in a new system of health care exchanges designed to lower insurance costs. It also will provide businesses with fewer than 25 employees tax credits to help pay for employee health insurance.