[1] Obama's speech addressed topics regarding the public health insurance option, private insurance reform, estimated costs and revenue, basic coverage for individuals and employers, as well as subsidies and waivers for those who can't afford coverage, and the importance of tort reform in bringing costs down.

from Republican Rep. Joe Wilson, referring to a statement by Obama that his plan would not apply to illegal immigrants (discussed in more detail in the next section).

Quoting Kennedy's letter, Obama said, "that what we face is above all a moral issue; that at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country.

"[5] In the quoted portions of his letter, Kennedy, a steadfast proponent of health care reform, also posed the question of what would happen if one knew treatment existed for a condition but one could not afford it.

He concluded his address by returning to Kennedy's theme of the "character of our country": I understand how difficult this health care debate has been.

[8][9] On September 15, the House approved a "resolution of disapproval" (a reprimand as opposed to formal censure) against Wilson, on a near party-line 240–179 vote.

[17] Specific language was subsequently included when the Senate healthcare-reform plan was introduced on September 16 which prohibits participation in the insurance exchange by persons not lawfully present in the U.S.[16][18][19] The official, post-speech Republican response was given by Congressman Charles Boustany of Louisiana,[20] a former cardiothoracic surgeon.

[26] The shares of health insurance companies advanced after analysts concluded that the proposal outlined by Obama as good news for healthcare investors.

[27] Citi analyst Charles Boorady was quoted as saying that he expected shares to rise further as passage of health care reform would expand enrollment in plans.