As We Head Into Labor Day Weekend, a Reminder That Trump’s Lawsuit to Overturn Our Health Care Laws Threatens American Workers.
Background: After failing to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Congress, President Trump and his allies went to court to completely overturn the law. The decision by an ultra-conservative Texas judge ruling the ACA unconstitutional has been widely criticized by legal scholars on both sides of the aisle. Yet at every turn, Republicans have continued to support the lawsuit and the full repeal of the ACA. As the case makes its way through the appeals process, Trump appears even more committed to his years-long quest to dismantle the health care system, putting American workers in harm’s way.
Five Ways Trump’s Lawsuit Threatens Workers:
156 Million Americans Who Get Coverage Through An Employer Could Once Again Face Coverage Caps. If the ACA is overturned, insurance companies could once again limit how much their policies had to pay for coverage each year or over a lifetime, leaving people with potentially millions of dollars of medical bills.
More Than 137 Million Americans—Including Those With Employer Coverage—Could Once Again Have To Pay For Preventive Care. Because of the ACA, private health plans must cover preventive services — like flu shots, cancer screenings, contraception, and mammograms – at no cost to consumers. This includes more than 137 million Americans who receive preventive care with no cost sharing, most of whom have employer coverage
Millions Of Working Americans Would Be Thrown Off Of Medicaid. About 17 million people have gained coverage through Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. More than six in ten (63%) adults with Medicaid are working either full or part-time.
Nursing Parents Would Lose Critical Workplace Protections. The ACA requires many employers to provide a private space—other than a bathroom—as well as reasonable break time for mothers to nurse. Without the ACA, nursing parents could lose access to these essential benefits.
More Than 60 Million People Could Lose Access To Birth Control With No Out-Of-Pocket Fees. The ACA guarantees that private health plans cover 18 methods of contraception and make them available to patients with no out-of-pocket costs. This has saved money for women and their families: women saved $1.4 billion on birth control pills alone in 2013. Should the Texas lawsuit overturn the health care law, employers would be allowed to select plans for their employees that do not cover birth control at all. As a result, 62.4 million women who now have access to birth control without copays stand to lose.
Three Weeks And 5,800-Plus Miles From Las Vegas To Atlanta With Nearly Two Dozen Stops in Between
Over the last three weeks, Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 20-event, 12-state nationwide “Health Care Emergency” Tour traveled to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, Santa Fe, Pueblo, Aurora, St. Paul, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Lansing, Livonia, Bethlehem, Bangor, Portland, Concord, Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville, Atlanta and Harrisburg. During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
Members of Congress, including U.S. Senator Bob Casey (PA) and U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (NV-01), Susie Lee (NV-03), Jason Crow (CO-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Susan Wild (PA-07), Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Lucy McBath (GA-06), joined Protect Our Care at various stops on the tour. We were also joined by Attorneys General Hector Balderas (NM) and Keith Ellison (MN) and Governors Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM) and Tom Wolf (PA).
LAS VEGAS, NV:
August 5, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (NV-01) and Susie Lee (NV-03), cancer survivors and health care advocates Laura Packard and Joe Merlino, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada executive director Laura Martin, and representatives from the Offices of Congressman Steve Horsford (NV-04) and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto for a press conference at the SEIU Nevada Local 1107 office.
U.S. Representative Dina Titus: “Today I attended the nationwide kickoff of the @ProtectOurCare bus tour to bring awareness to Republicans’ continued attacks on our healthcare system. That’s why I voted to let the House step in to protect the Affordable Care Act and the millions who depend on it. #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. Titus Twitter, 8/5/19]
U.S. Representative Susie Lee: “Proud to help kick off the #HealthCareEmergency Bus Tour with @ProtectOurCare! I’ve made it clear that I will fight any and every effort that threatens Nevadans’ access to quality and affordable healthcare. Great to see @lpackard back in NV!” [Rep. Lee Twitter, 8/8/19]
August 6, 2019 — Outside the Arizona State Capitol Building, Protect Our Care hosted a press conference with State House Democratic Leader Charlene Fernandez, ER physician and cancer research advocate Dr. Hiral Tipirneni, and health care advocate Laura Packard.
Leader Charlene Fernandez: “Make no mistake, while Democrats debate Medicare for All, Republicans continue to attack our current healthcare by working on a full repeal of Obamacare through the courts. We need to fight to #ProtectOurCare.” [Leader Fernandez Twitter, 8/6/19]
Dr. Hiral Tipirneni: “A big thanks to @ProtectOurCare for bringing their #HealthCareEmergency tour to Phoenix and highlighting this critical issue that we face. The health and well-being of our families should never be a partisan issue. #PeopleOverPolitics #AZ06.” [Dr. Tipirneni Twitter, 8/6/19]
August 7, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Tucson and held a press conference outside Planned Parenthood with Tucson PPFA executive director Genesis Cabillas, emergency medical physician Dr. Larry DeLuca, and health care advocates Alicia Held and Laura Packard.
U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick released a statement on the Tour stopping in Arizona’s 2nd congressional district: “After traveling the district, it’s clear that rising health care costs is a top concern for Arizona families; they want proactive solutions to fixing our health care system. As you may know, I am not afraid of taking a bold stance on health care. In 2009, I cast my proudest vote in support of the Affordable Care Act, which secured access for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. As the Trump administration continues to try and dismantle ACA protections and make health care coverage a wealthy privilege, my democratic colleagues are debating ways and passing legislation to make it more affordable. Southern Arizonans are all too familiar with the fear of losing their health care. I believe I’m fighting here today because our community knows how important it is to elect a healthcare leader. And my actions and votes prove that you can count on me to protect your care.”
KVOA: “Health care advocates, residents and those fighting illnesses met this morning for the “Protect Our Care AZ Health Care Emergency” conference. Two women fighting illnesses spoke on the importance of the affordable care act.” [KVOA Twitter, 8/7/19]
August 8, 2019 — Outside the New Mexico State Capitol building on Santa Fe, Protect Our Care was joined by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Attorney General Hector Balderas, and health care advocates Laura Packard and Lan Sena for a press conference.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham: New Mexico has fought back against efforts to dismantle the ACA & take away health care from millions: Protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions: Covering all essential benefits. Prohibiting junk health plans. Protecting New Mexicans from surprise billing.” [Gov. Lujan Grisham, 8/8/19]
August 9, 2019 — Protect Our Care and health care advocate Laura Packard met with Hilary Glasgow, President of the Southern Colorado Labor Council, outside Senator Cory Gardner’s office in Pueblo to deliver a copy of the Shaheen Resolution, calling on him to denounce the Trump-Texas lawsuit and defend the ACA. The building’s management tried to keep Laura and members of the press from going up to Gardner’s office, and once Protect Our Care and the press arrived, Gardner’s district director showed us the door, forcefully asking us to leave.
August 9, 2019 — In Aurora, Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Jason Crow (CO-06), State Rep. Dominique Jackson, and health care advocate Laura Packard for a press conference at the local Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.
U.S. Representative Jason Crow: “Coloradans don’t want us to play politics with their health care. Yet, the Administration’s Texas v. US lawsuit could hurt over 2 million Coloradans with pre-existing conditions. That’s unacceptable. I’ll keep working in Congress to fight against these attacks and #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. Crow Twitter, 8/11/19]
August 12, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (MN-04), Attorney General Keith Ellison, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States Sarah Stoesz, and health care advocates Laura Packard, Delores Flynn and Rachel Zemmer for a press conference outside the Minnesota AFL-CIO headquarters.
U.S. Representative Betty McCollum: “In the face of nonstop attacks on our health care from this administration & Republicans in Congress, my message is simple: I’m going to stand with you and keep fighting #ForThePeople. We must #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. McCollum Twitter, 8/13/19]
Attorney General Keith Ellison: “I defend the ACA for ppl w preexisting conditions; who got covered for the first time; who have no more lifetime caps; whose loved ones would die without it. I defended it in Congress & I’m defending it as AG. But the best defense is you-stand up, be heard.” [AG Ellison Twitter, 8/12/19]
August 12 2019 — Outside the Iowa State Capitol building, Protect Our Care hosted a press conference with State Representative John Forbes, Iowa Executive Director of Planned Parenthood North Central States Erin Davison-Rippey, and health care advocated Laura Packard.
August 13, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Cedar Rapids for a press conference outside Senator Grassley and Senator Ernst’s offices featuring health care advocates Cindy Garlock, Laura Packard, Robin Stone and Laura Wright.
August 14, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined outside the Michigan State Capitol for a press conference with State Sen. Curtis Hertel, State Rep. Sarah Anthony, State Rep. Julie Brixie, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical Lansing Dr. Farhan Bhatti, and health care advocates Tori Saylor and Laura Packard.
August 14, 2019 — U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11), State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, IHA CEO Dr. Mark LePage, and health care advocates Laura Packard and Andrea P. joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside St. Mary Mercy Hospital.
U.S. Representative Haley Stevens: “This afternoon I went to Livonia to rally with #ProtectOurCare! We must protect the Affordable Care Act, lower healthcare costs for Americans, and protect people with pre existing conditions.” [Rep. Stevens Twitter, 8/14/19]
State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky: “Today I spoke with @HaleyLive at a press conference with @ProtectOurCare. If the Texas v. United States lawsuit finds the ACA to be unconstitutional, the effects will be disastrous in MI. Health care is a human right, and these attacks on it must end.” [State Rep. Pohutsky Twitter, 8/14/19]
August 16, 2019 — U.S Representative Susan Wild (PA-07), State Rep. Peter Schweyer, Alvaro Castillo of PA Health Access Network and health care advocates Laura Packard and Mitch Lenett joined Protect Our Care for a press conference in historic Payrow Plaza.
U.S. Representative Susan Wild: “I’m holding a press conference w/ @ProtectOurCare where we’re releasing critical info about the skyrocketing cost of diabetes medication in #PA07. Tune into https://facebook.com/ProtectOurCare/ to learn more and hear what we’re going to do about it. #HealthcareEmergency” [Rep. Wild Twitter, 8/16/19]
August 19, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by State Rep. Joe Perry, State Rep. Barbara Cardone, State Sen. David Miramant, Mabel Wadsworth Center executive director Andrea Irwin, and National Alliance on Mental Illness clinical director Greg Marley for a press conference at the Bangor Public Library.
August 19, 2019 — At Portland City Hall, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Maine House Speaker Sarah Gideon, State Rep. Thom Harnett, State Sen. Catherine Breen, Nicole Clegg of Planned Parenthood New England and Jenna Mehnert of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
August 20, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Concord for a press conference outside the New Hampshire State House with U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), Dr. Randy Hayes of the Kent Street Coalition, Dr. Nick Perencevich, and health care advocates Carrie Durran, Pepper Nappo and Audrey Gerkin.
August 21, 2019 — State Sen. Floyd McKissick, State Sen. Terry Van Duyn, MomsRising Health Care Director Felicia Burnett, NC Justice Center Health Advocacy Project Director Nicole Dozier, and health care advocate Leslie Boyd joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside the federal courthouse in Raleigh.
State Sen. Floyd McKissick: “Today, I participated in a press conference sponsored by a group known as “Protect Our Care” which is travelling across our country to inform people of the potentially devastating impacts of a case known as ‘Texas Vs United States.; The primary goal of this case is to legally sabotage the Affordable Care Act. The Trump Administration and its allies are supporting this case because they are seeking to do, through the court system, what they failed to accomplish through the legislative process, which is to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If this case is successful, over 20 million Americans will lose coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act, and approximately 503,000 people will lose coverage here in NC. This will lead to a 43% increase in the uninsured rate in our state. In addition, 130 million people with preexisting conditions will potentially lose coverage in America and approximately 3.9 million people with preexisting conditions could lose coverage right here in NC. [State Sen. McKissick Facebook, 8/21/19]
State Sen. Terry Van Duyn: “As a former ACA Navigator, I saw how people reacted to getting health insurance for the first time. Not only did it mean the promise of getting healthy, it also meant they could work more and provide better lives for themselves and their families. We must continue the fight to protect the Affordable Care Act and ensure that every American can afford their health care.” [State Sen. Van Duyn Facebook, 8/21/19]
August 22, 2019 — In Charlotte, Protect Our Care was joined by Mecklenburg County Commissioner at-large Pat Cotham, President of Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP Corine Mack, State Rep. Carla Cunningham, Team TruBlue executive director Charles Robinson, and health care advocates Stacy Staggs and Rochelle Willensky for a press conference outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.
Commissioner Pat Cotham: “Looking forward to press conference on expanding the #AffordableCareAct @[email protected] #RightOfHealthCare @ProtectNCCare @ProtectOurCare.” [Commissioner Cotham Twitter, 8/22/19]
State Rep. Carla Cunningham: “Protect Our Care Press Conference. The ACA is what we have. Let’s improve it and stop attempting to dismantle it. We must make healthcare coverage work for all of us.” [State Rep. Cunningham Twitter, 8/22/19]
August 22, 2019 — Care Force One made its way to Asheville for a press conference outside City Hall with Mayor Esther Manheimer and health care advocates Leslie Boyd and Mallorie Hatcher.
August 23, 2019 — Inside the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Staci Fox, and health care advocates Anne Shoup and Rebecca Galanti.
U.S. Representative Lucy McBath: “So glad to join @ProtectOurCare on the final stop of the #HealthCareEmergency tour. We will never stop the fight to protect the health of our communities & provide comprehensive care for all Americans.” [Rep. McBath Twitter, 8/23/19]
August 28, 2019 — At the Pennsylvania State Capitol Rotunda, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Governor Tom Wolf, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, President of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania Matt Yarnell and health care advocates Cindy and Matthew Jennings joined Protect Our Care for a press conference.
Governor Tom Wolf: “With the federal government again threatening the #ACA, I’m standing with @ProtectOurCare and @SenBobCasey to defend health care for all. From expanding Medicaid to authorizing a state-based marketplace, I’ve taken action to #ProtectOurCare and will continue to do so.” [Gov. Wolf Twitter, 8/28/19]
SHOT: Cory Gardner Claimed In A Recent Interview That He’s In Favor Of Protections For Pre-Existing Conditions. “But what we can agree on is making sure people with pre-existing conditions have coverage, required coverage,” said Gardner on air. “That’s we are about. That’s what we’ll fight for and continue to succeed with. “We know that we can come together with better plan, a better policy, a better idea that works, that covers people with pre-existing conditions.” [Colorado Times Recorder, 8/26/19]
CHASER: Cory Gardner Voted For Every Health Care Repeal Effort During His Time In Congress That Gutted Protections For Millions Of Americans With Pre-Existing Conditions And Refuses To Condemn The Texas Lawsuit That Would Do The Same.
2011: Gardner Voted For A Total Repeal Of The ACA. Gardner voted for The “Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act” would have repealed all of the Affordable Care Act. [HR 2, Roll Call Vote #14, 1/19/11]
2011: Gardner Voted To Repeal And Defund The ACA. Gardner voted for the fiscal 2012 budget that would have repealed and defunded the Affordable Care Act. [HCR 34, Roll Call Vote #277, 4/15/11]
2013: Gardner Voted For A Total Repeal Of The ACA. Gardner voted for HR 45, an act “to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.” [HR 45, Roll Call Vote #154, 5/16/13]
2015: Gardner Voted To Repeal Most Of The ACA. Gardnervoted for legislation that gutted the Affordable Care Act by eliminating the insurance exchanges and subsidies, and repealing the Medicaid expansion accepted by 30 states, including Colorado.[HR 3762, Roll Call Vote #114, 12/3/15]
2017: Gardner Voted For The Senate “Repeal And Delay” Plan. Gardner voted for Obamacare Repeal and Replacement Act was a Republican effort to repeal the ACA without a replacement. Known as “repeal and delay,” the bill repealed major sections of the ACA, including the Medicaid expansion and premium tax credits, in 2020. [HR 1628, Roll Call Vote #169, 7/26/17]
2017: Gardner Voted For The Better Care Reconciliation Act. Gardner voted for the Better Care Reconciliation Act, which repealed and replaced the ACA. [HR 1628, Roll Call Vote #168, 7/25/17]
When Asked About The Texas Lawsuit To Repeal The ACA, Gardner Refused To Condemn It:“What I Hope Succeeds Is This Place Getting Together To Find A Way To Drive Down Healthcare Costs.” [@PeterSullivan4, 12/18/18]
On the third and final week of Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 20-event, 13-state nationwide bus tour, “Care Force One” traveled to Bangor, Portland, Concord, Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville and Atlanta. During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
BANGOR, ME:
Protect Our Care was joined by State Rep. Joe Perry, State Rep. Barbara Cardone, State Sen. David Miramant, Andrea Irwin (Executive Director, Mabel Wadsworth Center), and Greg Marley (Clinical Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness) for a press conference at the Bangor Public Library.
At Portland City Hall, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Maine House Speaker Sarah Gideon, State Rep. Thom Harnett, State Sen. Catherine Breen, Nicole Clegg of Planned Parenthood New England and Jenna Mehnert of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Concord for a press conference outside the New Hampshire State House with U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), Dr. Randy Hayes of the Kent Street Coalition, Dr. Nick Perencevich, and health care advocates Carrie Durran, Pepper Nappo and Audrey Gerkin.
State Sen. Floyd McKissick, State Sen. Terry Van Duyn, MomsRising Health Care Director Felicia Burnett, NC Justice Center Health Advocacy Project Director Nicole Dozier, and health care advocate Leslie Boyd joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside the federal courthouse in Raleigh.
State Sen. Floyd McKissick: “Today, I participated in a press conference sponsored by a group known as “Protect Our Care” which is travelling across our country to inform people of the potentially devastating impacts of a case known as ‘Texas Vs United States.; The primary goal of this case is to legally sabotage the Affordable Care Act. The Trump Administration and its allies are supporting this case because they are seeking to do, through the court system, what they failed to accomplish through the legislative process, which is to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If this case is successful, over 20 million Americans will lose coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act, and approximately 503,000 people will lose coverage here in NC. This will lead to a 43% increase in the uninsured rate in our state. In addition, 130 million people with preexisting conditions will potentially lose coverage in America and approximately 3.9 million people with preexisting conditions could lose coverage right here in NC. [State Sen. McKissick Facebook, 8/21/19]
State Sen. Terry Van Duyn: “As a former ACA Navigator, I saw how people reacted to getting health insurance for the first time. Not only did it mean the promise of getting healthy, it also meant they could work more and provide better lives for themselves and their families. We must continue the fight to protect the Affordable Care Act and ensure that every American can afford their health care.” [State Sen. Van Duyn Facebook, 8/21/19]
In Charlotte, Protect Our Care was joined by Mecklenburg County Commissioner at-large Pat Cotham, President of Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP Corine Mack, State Rep. Carla Cunningham, Team TruBlue executive director Charles Robinson, and health care advocates Stacy Staggs and Rochelle Willensky for a press conference outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.
Commissioner Pat Cotham: “Looking forward to press conference on expanding the #AffordableCareAct @[email protected] #RightOfHealthCare @ProtectNCCare @ProtectOurCare.” [Commissioner Cotham Twitter, 8/22/19]
State Rep. Carla Cunningham: “Protect Our Care Press Conference. The ACA is what we have. Let’s improve it and stop attempting to dismantle it. We must make healthcare coverage work for all of 🇺🇸.” [State Rep. Cunningham Twitter, 8/22/19]
Care Force One made its way to Asheville for a press conference outside City Hall with Mayor Esther Manheimer, and health care advocates Leslie Boyd and Mallorie Hatcher.
At the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Staci Fox, and health care advocates Anne Shoup and Rebecca Galanti.
“Care Force One” Will Travel to Bangor, Portland, Concord, Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville and Atlanta for Events Highlighting the Health Care Emergency Created By Trump’s Lawsuit and Democrats’ Agenda to Improve Care and Lower Costs
Washington, DC —On the third and final week of Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 21-event, 13-state nationwide bus tour, “Care Force One” is continuing across the country for stops in Bangor (ME), Portland (ME), Concord (NH), Raleigh (NC), Charlotte (NC), Asheville (NC) and Atlanta (GA). During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers will join Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Event participants will also discuss the Democratic agenda to lower costs and improve health care.
WHO: State Sen. David Miramant State Rep. Joe Perry State Rep. Barbara Cardone Andrea Irwin, Executive Director, Mabel Wadsworth Center Greg Marley, Clinical Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness WHAT: “Protect Our Care Maine Health Care Emergency” Press Conference WHERE: Care Force One, Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04401 WHEN: Monday, August 19 at 10:00 AM EST
And continues Monday afternoon in Portland, ME:
WHO: State Rep. Sara Gideon, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives State Sen. Catherine Breen State Rep. Thom Harnett Nicole Clegg, Vice President of Public Policy, Planned Parenthood New England Jenna Mehnert, MSW, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness WHAT: “Protect Our Care Maine Health Care Emergency” Press Conference WHERE:Care Force One, Portland City Hall, 389 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 WHEN: Monday, August 19th at 2:00 PM EST
Tuesday, Protect Our Care heads to Concord, NH:
WHO: U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) Dr. Randy Hayes, Kent Street Collation Dr. Nick Perencevich Carrie Duran, mother of a child with pre-existing conditions Pepper Nappo, Granite Stater who relies on the ACA for coverage Audrey Gerkin, Little Lobbyists Granite State Progress Rights & Democracy NH WHAT: “Protect Our Care New Hampshire Health Care Emergency” Press Conference WHERE: Care Force One, Concord City Plaza, in front of NH Statehouse (Main Street) – Concord NH WHEN: Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 at 10:00 AM EST
Wednesday, Protect Our Care heads to Raleigh, NC:
WHO: State Senator Terry Van Duyn and others to be announced WHAT: “Protect Our Care North Carolina Health Care Emergency” Press Conference WHERE: Care Force One, Senator Tillis’ Raleigh Office, 310 New Bern Ave Ste 122, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 WHEN: Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 2:30 PM EST
Thursday morning, Protect Our Care heads to Charlotte, NC:
WHO: Mecklenburg County Commissioner at-large Pat Cotham Stacy Staggs, Little Lobbyists Kara Konrad, North Carolinian with a pre-existing condition WHAT: “Protect Our Care North Carolina Health Care Emergency” Press Conference WHERE:Care Force One, Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E 4th St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 WHEN: Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 10:00 AM EST
Thursday afternoon, Protect Our Care heads to Asheville, NC:
WHO: Mallorie Hatcher, Little Lobbyists Jackie Kiger, Pisgah Legal Services Others to be announced WHAT: “Protect Our Care North Carolina Health Care Emergency” Press Conference WHERE: Care Force One, Pack Square Park 22 S Pack Sq, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 WHEN: Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 2:30 PM EST
The third and final week concludes Friday morning in Atlanta, GA:
WHO: U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) and others to be announced WHAT: “Protect Our Care Georgia Health Care Emergency” Press Conference WHERE: Care Force One, Georgia State Capitol, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334 WHEN: Friday, August 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM EST
*Additional speakers to be added throughout the week
On the second week of Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 20-event, 13-state nationwide bus tour, “Care Force One” traveled to St. Paul, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Lansing, Livonia and Bethlehem. During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
ST. PAUL, MN:
Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (MN-04), Attorney General Keith Ellison, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States Sarah Stoesz, and health care advocates Laura Packard, Delores Flynn and Rachel Zemmer for a press conference outside the Minnesota AFL-CIO headquarters.
Attorney General Keith Ellison: “I defend the ACA for ppl w preexisting conditions; who got covered for the first time; who have no more lifetime caps; whose loved ones would die without it. I defended it in Congress & I’m defending it as AG. But the best defense is you-stand up, be heard.” [AG Ellison Twitter, 8/12/19]
U.S. Representative Betty McCollum: “In the face of nonstop attacks on our health care from this administration & Republicans in Congress, my message is simple: I’m going to stand with you and keep fighting #ForThePeople. We must #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. McCollum Twitter, 8/13/19]
Outside the Iowa State Capitol building, Protect Our Care hosted a press conference with State Representative John Forbes, Iowa Executive Director of Planned Parenthood North Central States Erin Davison-Rippey, and health care advocated Laura Packard.
The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Cedar Rapids for a press conference outside Senator Grassley and Senator Ernst’s offices featuring health care advocates Cindy Garlock, Laura Packard, Robin Stone and Laura Wright.
Protect Our Care was joined outside the Michigan State Capitol for a press conference with State Sen. Curtis Hertel, State Rep. Sarah Anthony, State Rep. Julie Brixie, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical Lansing Dr. Farhan Bhatti, and health care advocates Tori Saylor and Laura Packard.
U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11), State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, IHA CEO Dr. Mark LePage, and health care advocates Laura Packard and Andrea P. joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside St. Mary Mercy Hospital.
U.S. Representative Haley Stevens: “This afternoon I went to Livonia to rally with #ProtectOurCare! We must protect the Affordable Care Act, lower healthcare costs for Americans, and protect people with pre existing conditions.” [Rep. Stevens Twitter, 8/14/19]
State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky: “Today I spoke with @HaleyLive at a press conference with @ProtectOurCare. If the Texas v. United States lawsuit finds the ACA to be unconstitutional, the effects will be disastrous in MI. Health care is a human right, and these attacks on it must end.” [State Rep. Pohutsky Twitter, 8/14/19]
U.S Representative Susan Wild (PA-07), State Representative Pete Schweyer, Alvaro Castillo of PA Health Access Network and health care advocates Laura Packard and Mitch Lenett joined Protect Our Care for a press conference in historic Payrow Plaza.
U.S. Representative Susan Wild: “I’m holding a press conference w/ @ProtectOurCare where we’re releasing critical info about the skyrocketing cost of diabetes medication in #PA07. Tune into https://facebook.com/ProtectOurCare/ to learn more and hear what we’re going to do about it. #HealthcareEmergency” [Rep. Wild Twitter, 8/16/19]
Washington, D.C. – According to Politico, in response to senior White House aid Kellyanne Conway’s insistence that a health care overhaul is forthcoming, CMS Administrator Seema Verma balked at Conway’s September timeline, saying “I think to some degree you’re seeing the plan in action, right? Every day we are implementing the president’s agenda on health care…” Leslie Dach, chair of Protect Our Care and former HHS official, issued the following statement in response:
“We are seeing President Trump’s plan in action: skyrocketing drug prices, gutting protections for pre-existing conditions, proposing billions in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and all the while giving tax breaks to the drug and insurance industries. We already know President Trump’s real health care agenda is the Texas lawsuit which would throw our health care system in chaos by ending protections for pre-existing conditions, stripping coverage from 20 million Americans, and raising costs across the board.”
Tonight, President Trump is holding a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, but Granite Staters will likely hear more lies instead of the truth about his health care agenda. Right now, President Trump and his Republican allies are trying to rip away our health care by going to court to eliminate the Affordable Care Act in its entirety. In 2018, a group of Republican attorneys general filed suit seeking to overturn the entire health care law. They were joined in this effort by the Trump administration, which is refusing to defend the law in court. The case is currently before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the health care of tens of thousands of Granite Staters hangs in the balance.
Next Tuesday, Protect Our Care will host New Hampshire leaders and health care advocates as part of a nationwide bus tour to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Granite Staters’ health care and discuss Trump’s true agenda: to strip health care from millions of Americans. Speakers will highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act, contrasting it to Congresswoman Annie Kuster’s legislation to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions and Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s resolution that directs the Trump administration to reverse course and defend Americans’ access to vital care and comprehensive coverage.
The Republican Health Care Emergency Hurts New Hampshire Families
If the Trump lawsuit is successful, it will strip coverage from millions of Americans, raise premiums, end protections for people with pre-existing conditions, put insurance companies back in charge, and force seniors to pay more for prescription drugs. This Republican health care emergency is threatening to unleash “chaos” in our entire health care system. Here’s what’s at stake in New Hampshire:
If Republicans Get Their Way, 89,000 Granite Staters Would Lose Their Coverage
89,000 Granite Staters could lose coverage. According to the Urban Institute, 89,000 Granite Staters would lose coverage by repealing the Affordable Care Act, leading to a 136 percent increase in the uninsured rate.
43,000 Granite Staters in the 1st District could lose coverage. The Center for American Progress estimates that 43,000 Granite Staters in the 1st Congressional District would have their coverage ripped away if the Republican lawsuit succeeds at striking down the entire ACA.
9,000 New Hampshire young adults with their parents’ coverage could lose care. Because of the Affordable Care Act, millions of young adults are able to stay on their parents’ care until age 26.
If Republicans Get Their Way, Insurance Companies Would Be Put Back In Charge, Ending Protections For More Than 550,000 Granite Staters With A Pre-Existing Condition
Before the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies routinely denied people coverage because of a pre-existing condition or canceled coverage when a person got sick. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, insurance companies will be able to do this again.
572,200 Granite Staters have a pre-existing condition, including 62,700 New Hampshire children, 269,000 New Hampshire women, and 155,500 Granite Staters between ages 55 and 64.
If Republicans Get Their Way, Insurance Companies Would Have The Power To Charge You More, While Their Profits Soar
690,524 Granite Staters Could Once Again Have To Pay For Preventive Care. Because of the ACA, health plans must cover preventive services — like flu shots, cancer screenings, contraception, and mammograms – at no cost to consumers. Thisincludes nearly690,524 Granite Staters, most of whom have employer coverage.
Insurance Companies Could Charge Premium Surcharges in the Six Figures. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, insurance companies would be able to charge people more because of a pre-existing condition. The health repeal bill the House passed in 2017 had a similar provision, and an analysis by the Center for American Progress found that insurers could charge up to $4,270 more for asthma, $17,060 more for pregnancy, $26,180 more for rheumatoid arthritis and $140,510 more for metastatic cancer.
Women Could Be Charged More Than Men for the Same Coverage. Prior to the ACA, women were often charged premiums on the nongroup market of up to 50 percent higher than they charged men for the same coverage.
People Over the Age of 50 Could Face a $4,000 “Age Tax,” Including $2,750 in New Hampshire. Because Judge O’Connor sided with Republican lawmakers, insurance companies would be able to charge people over 50 more than younger people. The Affordable Care Act limited the amount older people could be charged to three times more than younger people. If insurers were to charge five times more, as was proposed in the Republican repeal bills, that would add an average “age tax” of $4,124 for a 60-year-old in the individual market, including $2,750 in New Hampshire, according to the AARP.
31,179 Granite Staters in the Marketplaces Would Pay More for Coverage. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, consumers would no longer have access to tax credits that help them pay their marketplace premiums, meaning roughly nine million people who receive these tax credits to pay for coverage will have to pay more, including 31,179 in New Hampshire.
21,150 New Hampshire Seniors Could Have to Pay More for Prescription Drugs.If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, seniors could have to pay more for prescription drugs because the Medicare “donut” hole would be reopened. From 2010 to 2016, “More than 11.8 million Medicare beneficiaries have received discounts over $26.8 billion on prescription drugs – an average of $2,272 per beneficiary,” according to a January 2017 CMS report. In New Hampshire, 21,150 seniors each saved an average of $1,139.
If Republicans Get Their Way, Medicaid Expansion Would Be Repealed
57,000 Granite Staters Enrolled Through Medicaid Expansion Could Lose Coverage. Seventeen million people have coverage through the expanded Medicaid program, including 57,000 in New Hampshire.
Access To Treatment Would Be In Jeopardy For 800,000 People With Opioid Use Disorder. Roughly four in ten, or 800,000 people with opioid use disorder are enrolled in Medicaid. Many became eligible through Medicaid expansion.
Key Support For Rural Hospitals Would Disappear, leaving New Hampshire hospitals with $234 million more in uncompensated care.
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum; Attorney General Keith Ellison; SEIU; Planned Parenthood; TakeAction MN Join Protect Our Care on Nationwide Bus Tour to Highlight What’s At Stake for Minnesotans In Trump-GOP Lawsuit to Overturn Health Care
St. Paul, MN — This morning, Protect Our Care’s nationwide Health Care Emergency Bus Tour arrived in St. Paul to call attention to Republicans’ ongoing war on health care and the threat posed by Texas v. United States, the Trump-GOP lawsuit to overturn the health care law. Headlined by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04) and Attorney General Keith Ellison, the event highlighted how Trump’s lawsuit would harm Minnesotans’ care, called on Republicans to denounce the lawsuit, and discussed Democrats’ agenda to improve health care and lower costs for Americans.
Ellison and McCollum were joined by Minnesota’s leading health care advocates including Sarah Stoesz, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, and health care activists from SEIU and TakeAction MN.
“The ACA isn’t perfect, but I voted for it in Congress – and voted against repealing it more times than I can count – because it was an important step to making sure we can all have access to care that helps us afford our lives and live with dignity and respect,” saidMinnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. “I’m not in Congress any more, but I’m still defending the ACA, this time in court as Attorney General. After all these years, it’s still hard to understand what Republicans have against affordable health care for the greatest number. But it’s not hard to understand why Americans need it and want it and are fighting to keep Republicans for taking it away from them. I’ll keep fighting for them and with them.”
“While Democrats are determined to make universal health care a right for all Americans, anyone with a pre-existing condition knows their health care is hanging on by a thread,” said U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum. “Millions of Americans are at risk unless we all stand united in stopping the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress from achieving their goal of destroying the ACA and patient protections. Protecting our care is a necessity and it is a fight we must win.”
“Reproductive health care is the foundation of freedom and autonomy for women,” saidSarah Stoesz, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. “Without the ability to decide when and whether to have children, women can’t control any other aspect of our lives—like getting an education, starting a business, or running for office. We know this—and so does the Trump administration. For reasons that we simply don’t understand, it’s this very freedom and autonomy that the president and his allies seem to resent and fear the most. And so they want to take us back to a medieval era in which women don’t have reproductive health care, or control over their bodies or their futures.”
“My son Scott receives personal care from a team of PCAs that keeps him alive at a fraction of the cost placing him in an institution would cost taxpayers,” said SEIU health care activist Delores Flynn. “Beyond the costs, Scott is a human being who wants to be at home with his family and his dogs. The fact that Republicans are talking about rolling back healthcare protections for people like Scott makes me sick. Why is this even a conversation? My son is a living and breathing pre-existing condition. If the current administration is successful in revoking this aspect of the ACA my son would die. No alternatives, he would die. I remember when the republicans were saying during the debates on this bill many years ago that there would be death panels. Well, if they repeal this law, they will be creating their own death panels and I’m horrified to think what that would mean for so many of us.”
“Cutting lifesaving programs like Medicaid and repealing the ACA will hurt people like me,” said Rachel Zemmer, TakeAction Minnesota member. “Legislators are financing tax breaks for billionaires and it’s costing us—the people—our health care. It’s wrong. I’m going to keep fighting for a people-centered health care system that leaves nobody out.”
Later today, “Care Force One” will head to Iowa, where Protect Our Care will be joined by health care advocates from across the state. For more information, please visit protectourcare.org/bus-tour/.
The Protect Our Care “Health Care Emergency Bus Tour” is making stops in:
Las Vegas, NV on Monday, August 5, 2019
Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Tucson, AZ on Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Santa Fe, NM on Thursday, August 8, 2019
Pueblo, CO on Thursday, August 8, 2019
Denver, CO on Friday, August 9, 2019
St. Paul, MN on Monday, August 12, 2019
Des Moines, IA on Monday, August 12, 2019
Cedar Rapids, IA on Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Lansing, MI on Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Livonia, MI on Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Harrisburg, PA on Thursday, August 15, 2019
Bethlehem, PA on Friday, August 16, 2019
Bangor, ME on Monday, August 19, 2019
Portland, ME on Monday, August 19, 2019
Concord, NH on Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Richmond, VA on Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Raleigh, NC on Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Charlotte, NC on Thursday, August 22, 2019
Asheville, NC on Thursday, August 22, 2019
Atlanta, GA on Friday, August 23, 2019
The Republican Health Care Emergency Hurts Minnesota Families
President Trump and his Republican allies are trying to rip away our health care by going to court to eliminate the Affordable Care Act in its entirety. In 2018, a group of Republican Attorneys General filed suit seeking to overturn the entire Affordable Care Act. They were joined in this effort by the Trump administration, which is refusing to defend the law in court. The case is currently before the 5th Circuit of Appeals and the health care of millions of Minnesotans hangs in the balance.
If the Trump lawsuit is successful, it will strip coverage from millions of Americans, raise premiums, end protections for people with pre-existing conditions, put insurance companies back in charge, and force seniors to pay more for prescription drugs. This Republican health care emergency is threatening to unleash “chaos” in our entire health care system. Here’s what’s at stake in Minnsota:
If Republicans Get Their Way, 265,000 Minnesotans Would Lose Their Coverage
265,000 Minnesotans could lose coverage. According to the Urban Institute, 265,000 Minnesotans would lose coverage by repealing the Affordable Care Act, leading to a 80 percent increase in the uninsured rate.
38,000 Minnesota young adults with their parents’ coverage could lose care. Because of the Affordable Care Act, millions of young adults are able to stay on their parents’ care until age 26.
If Republicans Get Their Way, Insurance Companies Would Be Put Back In Charge, Ending Protections For Over Two Million Minnesotans With A Pre-Existing Condition
Before the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies routinely denied people coverage because of a pre-existing condition or canceled coverage when a person got sick. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, insurance companies will be able to do this again.
2,331,000 Minnesotans have a pre-existing condition, including 307,100 Minnesota children, 1,154,000 Minnesota women, and 568,600 Minnesotans between ages 55 and 64.
If Republicans Get Their Way, Insurance Companies Would Have The Power To Charge You More, While Their Profits Soar
2,761,583 Minnesotans Could Once Again Have To Pay For Preventive Care. Because of the ACA, health plans must cover preventive services — like flu shots, cancer screenings, contraception, and mammograms – at no cost to consumers. Thisincludes nearly2,761,583 Minnesotans, most of whom have employer coverage.
Insurance Companies Could Charge Premium Surcharges in the Six Figures. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, insurance companies would be able to charge people more because of a pre-existing condition. The health repeal bill the House passed in 2017 had a similar provision, and an analysis by the Center for American Progress found that insurers could charge up to $4,270 more for asthma, $17,060 more for pregnancy, $26,180 more for rheumatoid arthritis and $140,510 more for metastatic cancer.
Women Could Be Charged More Than Men for the Same Coverage. Prior to the ACA, women were often charged premiums on the nongroup market of up to 50 percent higher than they charged men for the same coverage.
People Over the Age of 50 Could Face a $4,000 “Age Tax,” Including $4,805 in Minnesota. Because Judge O’Connor sided with Republican lawmakers, insurance companies would be able to charge people over 50 more than younger people. The Affordable Care Act limited the amount older people could be charged to three times more than younger people. If insurers were to charge five times more, as was proposed in the Republican repeal bills, that would add an average “age tax” of $4,124 for a 60-year-old in the individual market, including $4,805 in Minnesota, according to the AARP.
65,153 Minnesotans in the Marketplaces Would Pay More for Coverage. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, consumers would no longer have access to tax credits that help them pay their marketplace premiums, meaning roughly nine million people who receive these tax credits to pay for coverage will have to pay more, including 65,153 in Minnesota.
66,930 Minnesota Seniors Could Have to Pay More for Prescription Drugs.If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, seniors could have to pay more for prescription drugs because the Medicare “donut” hole would be reopened. From 2010 to 2016, “More than 11.8 million Medicare beneficiaries have received discounts over $26.8 billion on prescription drugs – an average of $2,272 per beneficiary,” according to a January 2017 CMS report. In Minnesota, 66,930 seniors each saved an average of $1,077.
If Republicans Get Their Way, Medicaid Expansion Would Be Repealed
206,700 Minnesotans Enrolled Through Medicaid Expansion Could Lose Coverage. Seventeen million people have coverage through the expanded Medicaid program, including 206,700 in Minnesota.
Access To Treatment Would Be In Jeopardy For 800,000 People With Opioid Use Disorder. Roughly four in ten, or 800,000 people with an opioid use disorder are enrolled in Medicaid. Many became eligible through Medicaid expansion.
Key Support For Rural Hospitals Would Disappear, leaving Minnesota hospitals with $1.1 billion more in uncompensated care.
Minnesota’s Democratic House Members Are Standing Up For Minnesotans’ Care
Under Speaker Pelosi’s leadership, the Democratic majority has been pursuing an aggressive strategy to lower costs, improve care, and block the Texas lawsuit and Republican sabotage:
Minnesota Reps. voted to block the Trump Department of Justice from undermining the ACA. Reps. Craig, McCollum and Phillips voted for Lauren Underwood’s resolution to prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from spending federal funds on litigation that undermines the Affordable Care Act, including Texas v. United States.
Minnesota Reps. voted to allow the House to intervene against the Texas lawsuit. Reps. Craig, McCollum and Phillips voted for a House rules resolution that allowed Congress to intervene against the Texas v. U.S. lawsuit. The resolution affirms the House Counsel’s authorization to intervene as a party in the lawsuit, asserting the House of Representative’s authority to defend laws it has passed and enacted into law.
Minnesota Reps. voted to condemn Trump’s reckless attacks on Americans’ health care. Reps. Craig, McCollum and Phillips voted for Collin Allred’s resolution condemning the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on the American health care system, including the Texas lawsuit.
THIS: PresidentTrump promised a plan to repeal the ACA and make health care more affordable, but according to Minnesotans, he has put “zero effort” into a plan and “spends all this time just criticizing the other people and doesn’t do anything positive” on health care. [Axios, 8/12/19]
THAT: Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and Attorney General Keith Ellison will join their fellow Minnesotans in St. Paul as part of Protect Our Care’s nationwide bus tour to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on health care, highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Texas lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act, and discuss how Democrats in Congress are working to lower costs and improve care.
