Washington DC — Today, the New York Times reported that Mary K. Wakefield, former Deputy Secretary of HHS in the Obama administration, has been appointed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky to lead CDC’s shift to a stronger public health focus. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:
“I worked closely with Mary Wakefield every day when I served as senior counselor to the Secretary of HHS under President Obama. The CDC could not have selected a better person for this role. Mary is tough, compassionate, and effective. She is a consummate manager who cares equally about people and results. This is the right path for the CDC and the right person to lead the effort.”
Washington DC — Yesterday, the Biden-Harris administration approved extending Medicaid postpartum coverage for 12 months in Hawaii, Maryland and Ohio. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, up to 34,000 people will become eligible for affordable health care thanks to the American Rescue Plan’s provision to strengthen maternal health coverage. Yesterday’s action combined with previously-approved state extensions brings the total to more than 20 states and D.C. – covering an estimated 318,000 Americans – where this postpartum coverage will be available. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:
“From day one, the Biden-Harris administration has prioritized making health care more affordable and equitable, and this announcement marks another victory for American families. Thousands will have access to essential maternal health care thanks to this 12-month extension of Medicaid coverage, which was enabled by the American Rescue Plan. This is a critical step in fighting the maternal mortality crisis and eliminating racial disparities within our health care system, particularly for Black mothers and their babies. Seventeen states have refused to take advantage of this option, leaving too many families without life saving care. It’s time for every state to take action now to save lives.”
Background:
17 States Have Refused To Expand Postpartum Medicaid For A Year After Birth. The 17 states that have failed to expand Medicaid to cover postpartum coverage for a year after birth include five states that haven’t adopted Medicaid expansion and eleven states that banned abortion. Almost all have Republican governors. Policies in these Republican held and gridlock states put new mothers at severe risk to lose stable and consistent coverage during a period of medical vulnerability.
Access To Care Is Essential At Every Stage. There is an urgent need for quality, affordable health coverage prior to, during, and after giving birth. While 48 percent of maternal deaths occur during pregnancy and delivery, more than half, 52 percent, occur in the year following the birth of a child. 12 percent of maternal deaths are deemed ‘late’, occurring between six weeks and one year following delivery, demonstrating the immense need for continuous health access and coverage for a minimum of one year following the birth of a child.
More Than Four In 10 Births Are Covered By Medicaid. In 2018, 42 percent of births were financed by Medicaid, with 40 percent or more births covered by the program in 25 states. Rates varied across the nation, with 61 percent of births financed by Medicaid in Louisiana, and 22 percent in Utah. In the 12 states that have refused Medicaid expansion, eight had more than 40 percent of births covered by Medicaid. Medicaid covers 65 percent of all births to Black mothers.
Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Care Premiums and Prescription Drug Prices for Millions of Seniors and Families
Yesterday, President Biden signed The Inflation Reduction Act into law, which will lower costs and improve health care for millions of Americans. Along with combating inflation and making key investments in climate and energy, this historic legislation will drive down health care premiums for 13 million Americans and lower the cost of prescription drugs. The bill finally reins in Big Pharma’s greed by giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, capping seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs, and stopping egregious price hikes. By passing the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats overcame unified Republican opposition and record lobbying from Big Pharma and other special interests. Watch President Biden call out Republican lawmakers for siding with Big Pharma here.
COVERAGE
The Washington Post: Biden Signs Sweeping Bill To Tackle Climate Change, Lower Health Care Costs. “President Biden on Tuesday signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, an ambitious measure that aims to tamp down on inflation, lower prescription drug prices, tackle climate change, reduce the deficit and impose a minimum tax on profits of the largest corporations… On Tuesday, Biden said signing the bill into law was something he had looked forward to doing for 18 months.” [The Washington Post, 8/16/22]
The New York Times: Biden Signs Expansive Health, Climate, And Tax Law. “President Biden on Tuesday signed a long-awaited bill meant to reduce health costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and raise taxes on corporations and wealthy investors, capping more than a year of on-again, off-again negotiations and cementing his early economic legacy… The bill, which Democrats named the Inflation Reduction Act, invests $370 billion in spending and tax credits in low-emission forms of energy to fight climate change. It extends federal health-insurance subsidies, allows the government to negotiate prescription drug prices for seniors on Medicare and is expected to reduce the federal budget deficit by about $300 billion over 10 years.” [The New York Times, 8/16/22]
AP: Biden Signs Massive Climate And Health Care Legislation. “President Joe Biden signed Democrats’ landmark climate change and health care bill into law on Tuesday, delivering what he has called the “final piece” of his pared-down domestic agenda, as he aims to boost his party’s standing with voters less than three months before the midterm elections. The legislation includes the most substantial federal investment in history to fight climate change — some $375 billion over the decade — and would cap prescription drug costs at $2,000 out-of-pocket annually for Medicare recipients. It also would help an estimated 13 million Americans pay for health care insurance by extending subsidies provided during the coronavirus pandemic.” [AP, 8/16/22]
CBS News: Inflation Reduction Act Could Be “Game Changing” For Millions Of US Seniors. “The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that President Biden signed into law Tuesday represents the most important effort in decades to reform how drug prices are set in the U.S. — the nation that spends more per capita on medicine than any other industrialized country… While the law only addresses how Medicare, the health care program for seniors, sets drug prices, advocates of drug reform hope it will set a roadmap for other payers to lower soaring drug costs.” [CBS News, 8/16/22]
USA Today: Biden Signs Climate And Health Care Bill. Now, Democrats Race To Explain Its Benefits. “With a few strokes of a pen on Tuesday, President Joe Biden turned Democrats’ hard-fought climate and health care spending legislation from a bill into a law… After more than a year of negotiations, Democrats used their bare majority to pass a law that incentivizes clean energy investments, lowers prescription drug costs for seniors and extends health insurance subsidies for millions of others. The package that raises a projected $739 billion in revenue will also reduce the deficit, increase IRS enforcement and set a minimum tax rate for large corporations.” [USA Today, 8/16/22]
CNN: Biden Signs Inflation Reduction Act Into Law. “President Joe Biden signed a sweeping $750 billion health care, tax and climate bill into law at the White House on Tuesday — marking a major victory for his administration and the Democratic Party ahead of the midterm elections… The act accomplishes several key Biden legislative agenda items, representing the largest climate investment in American history and making major changes to health policy by giving Medicare the power for the first time to negotiate the prices of certain prescription drugs and extending expiring health care subsidies for three years.” [CNN, 8/16/22]
Washington, DC — Protect Our Care is releasing a new TV ad highlighting President Biden and Democrats in Congress passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which lowers health insurance premiums and prescription drug prices for millions of Americans. For years, lawmakers have promised to take action to rein in Big Pharma’s greed and lower health care costs, but President Biden and Democrats are getting it done.
The landmark legislation lowers costs for the American people by standing up to Big Pharma and giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, capping seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs, and limiting annual price hikes. The bill also lowers health care premiums for 13 million Americans purchasing coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
“The Inflation Reduction Act will deliver real relief to millions of people. Medicare will finally have the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, making sure seniors can afford the medicines they need. Working families will save thousands on health premiums so they have insurance when they need to see a doctor, ” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “By passing this historic legislation, President Biden and Democrats put people over politics, standing up to Big Pharma and their Republican allies to ensure that American families can afford the health care they need for years to come.”
Ad Script:
For years Washington promised to address rising health care costs
But President Biden and Democrats in Congress just delivered.
Passing a historic plan to bring down health care costs for working people.
Standing up to big drug companies – by stopping their out-of-control price increases.
And giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices.
Bringing down health care costs for millions of families and seniors.
Washington DC — Today, President Biden signed The Inflation Reduction Act into law, which will lower costs and improve health care for millions of Americans. Along with combating inflation and making key investments in climate and energy, this historic legislation will drive down health care premiums for 13 million Americans and lower the cost of prescription drugs. The bill finally reins in Big Pharma’s greed by giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, capping seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs, and stopping egregious price hikes. These policies will save Americans thousands of dollars a year, making health care more accessible and equitable for years to come.
“The Inflation Reduction Act is a major victory in the fight for affordable, quality health care. For far too long, we have lived in a broken system where people die because they can’t access the health care they need,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Lowering costs will be a life saver for seniors and families who have been forced to choose between affording their prescription drugs or going to the doctor and making ends meet. This bill is a game-changer and will pave the way for better and more equitable health care for every American.”
“Today is another BFD for American health care. We haven’t seen legislation this significant since the passage of the Affordable Care Act,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “Not only will folks save money, but millions of people will finally be able to afford lifesaving care thanks to this legislation. Despite countless attempts by Republicans in Congress and Big Pharma to kill this bill, the needs of the American people prevailed. Thanks to President Biden and Democrats, help is on the way.”
More information on The Inflation Reduction Act can be foundhere.
This Week: U.S. Senator Bob Casey and U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell and Susie Lee Join Events Across the Nation
Last Week: U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), and Susan Wild (D–PA-07) Joined Protect Our Care for State Events
Washington DC — This week, Protect Our Care is hosting events across the nation with Members of Congress and health care advocates to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. These measures will deliver long-overdue relief to working families and seniors, and it will address the deep racial inequities in our health care system. President Biden and the Democrats have been working tirelessly to pass meaningful health care reform in Congress, and now they have made history by bringing down costs for families across the country with the Inflation Reduction Act.
NEW JERSEY Rx Drug Cost Event with Congressman Bill Pascrell and Health Care Advocates
WHO: Congressman Bill Pascrell Laura Waddell, Health Care Program Director, New Jersey Citizen Action Patrick Hall, Health care storyteller and business owner
NEVADA Inflation Reduction Act Event with Congresswoman Susie Lee and Health Care Advocates
WHO: Congresswoman Susie Lee
WHAT:Virtual Press Conference
WHERE: TBD
WHEN: Monday, August 15, 2022 at 1:00 PM PT // 4:00 PM ET
PENNSYLVANIA Inflation Reduction Act Press Event with Senator Bob Casey and Health Care Advocates
WHO: U.S. Senator Bob Casey
WHAT: Press Conference
WHERE:Harrisburg, PA
WHEN:Thursday, August 18, 2022 at TBD
EVENTS LAST WEEK:
NATIONAL On Friday, August 12, Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-05) and U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) joined Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference ahead of the House vote on the Inflation Reduction Act. The legislation takes critical steps to lower health care premiums and prescription drug costs for the American people. Watch the event here.
On Tuesday, August 9, U.S. Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) joined patient advocates and Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act’s critical measures to lower health care premiums and prescription drug costs for the American people. You can watch the event here.
COLORADO On Tuesday, August 9, Protect Our Care Colorado joined Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper to celebrate Senate passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Bennet and Hickenlooper secured critical resources and provisions in the historic legislation to lower health care and prescription drug costs, tackle climate change, reduce the U.S. deficit, and help fight inflation for hard-working Coloradans. You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
Colorado Public Radio: Bennet, Hickenlooper help pass Democrat’s climate, health and tax bill
The Denver Channel: Democrats laud coming impact Inflation Reduction Act will have on Colorado
Real Vail: Senate passes IRA with largest ever investment in climate rescue infrastructure
Colorado Times Recorder: Colorado Democrats, environmental groups cheer Senate passage of ‘historic’ climate bill
AccessWire: Colorado VNA receives 2.3 million grant to expand CAPABLE program Denver Post:Colorado’s U.S. Senate candidates spar over $433 billion climate bill
Axios: Colorado is a battleground for how to frame new bill
NEW HAMPSHIRE On Tuesday, August 9, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) held a press conference at Amoskeag Health with local health care advocates, medical professionals and area residents impacted by pharmaceutical costs to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last weekend by the U.S. Senate. “This bill will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for not just Medicare patients, but consumers across the board by putting pressure on Big Pharma to lower their prices,” said Senator Hassan.
Coverage:
Manchester Ink Link: Hassan joins local advocates in touting Inflation Reduction Act’s passage
FLORIDA On Wednesday, August 10, U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-09) joined Protect Our Care Florida to discuss Congress passing the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. “The advance premium tax credit appears to be saved and extended for three years– to 2025– under the Inflation Reduction Act. This is a huge win for Florida that is imminent,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “It means brighter days are ahead. Lower costs. Better healthcare. And a brighter future.” You can watch the event here.
NEW JERSEY On Thursday, August 11, Protect Our Care joined Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) at a press conference in Woodbridge with local elected leaders and health care advocates on the Inflation Reduction Act.“The Inflation Reduction Act is one of the most significant pieces of health care legislation to move through Congress in over a decade. It finally breaks Big Pharma’s monopoly on prescription drug prices. No one should have to choose between paying for life saving medications or food and rent,” said Rep. Pallone. “Importantly, it will help ensure seniors are no longer ripped off at the pharmacy counter by capping both their annual out-of-pocket drug spending as well as how much they can be charged for insulin. It also penalizes Big Pharma companies for unfairly hiking prices on seniors.” You can watch the event here.
PENNSYLVANIA On Thursday, August 11, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-07) joined Protect Our Care Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Health Access Network, For Our Future PA, and Family Friendly Pennsylvania to emphasize the need for Congress to lower prescription drug costs by passing the Inflation Reduction Act. Rep. Wild has been a national leader on this issue both in the House and in pressuring the Senate to take action. Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act will allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time in history, limit onerous price hikes, and cap seniors’ drug costs. These actions are vital to fixing the broken system that all too often forces patients to choose between paying the bills and affording the drugs they need. You can watch the event here.
Washington D.C. – Today, House Democrats passed the biggest health care legislation since the Affordable Care Act. The Inflation Reduction Act will lower the cost of health insurance and drive down prescription drug prices by giving Medicare the power to negotiate, capping seniors’ out-of-pocket costs for drugs at $2,000 per year, capping insulin costs, and stopping Big Pharma’s egregious price hikes. This bill will help lower costs for millions of working families, address the deep racial inequities in our health care system and save lives. This historic legislation ends a 20-year era of pharmaceutical companies’ greed taking precedence over the health and well-being of the American people. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:
“A long-awaited victory for all Americans, this bill represents peace of mind for the millions of people who struggle to make ends meet. Being sick can take over your life and being unable to pay for care devastates families. Too many Americans die before their time because they can’t afford health care, and the inequities are even more profound for people of color, rural residents, and people with disabilities. Now, the Inflation Reduction Act will be a game-changer for millions of people. By passing this legislation, President Biden and Democrats delivered on their promise to lower health care costs and rein in high drug prices — a stark contrast from every Republican who voted no. American families have been asking and waiting for this day, and now help is on the way.”
Washington, DC — Today, Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-05) and U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) joined Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference ahead of the House vote on the Inflation Reduction Act. The legislation takes critical steps to lower health care premiums and prescription drug costs for the American people.
The Inflation Reduction Act lowers health care premiums for 13 million Americans and drives down prescription drug prices by giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower costs, capping seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs, and stopping many of Big Pharma’s egregious annual price hikes. This bill will help lower costs for millions of working families and address the deep racial inequities in our health care system.
“This bill is a very significant step forward. I’m glad to join Protect Our Care again today to speak about all we have accomplished for the American people in this landmark bill,” said Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-05). “Democrats know that America’s strength and success depends on the health of its people. That’s why we have made it our mission to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable quality health care. This success is why we have fought together to extend these important updates to the ACA.”
“This particular bill that we’re dealing with today is a landmark piece of legislation. It is something that a lot of people said could not be done, but we are doing it,” said U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06). “This is a big, big beginning. We are going to work with the American people to get the accessibility and affordability of health care to every American going forward. “
“Having my health care premium reduced from $400 a month to $30 a month was an absolute blessing. It meant I could stay on a health care plan without going into debt,” said Himali Patel, an Atlanta small business owner. “I’m still working to build back my businesses and my income since the pandemic, so the extended premium tax credits are a lifesaver. It’s difficult having to worry about choosing between paying for my necessary health care insurance to keep me alive and functioning, or my mortgage and groceries each month. Thank you so much to Leader Hoyer and Representative Clyburn, and all the Democrats in Congress working to ensure quality affordable health care for every single American, like me, becomes a reality.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act puts more money in the pockets of millions of families at a time when lowering costs has never been more urgent,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Help is on the way in just a matter of months. Next year alone, this historic legislation will lower the cost of health insurance, cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for seniors, stop many of Big Pharma’s egregious price hikes, and provide needed vaccines at no cost. These policies will be a lifeline for millions of Americans, particularly seniors, people of color, rural Americans, and people with disabilities.”
The Inflation Reduction Act will lower costs and improve health care for millions of Americans, with help on the way in just a matter of months. In 2023 alone, this historic legislation will extend lower health care costs, cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for seniors, stop many of Big Pharma’s egregious price hikes, and provide needed vaccines at no cost. These policies will be a lifeline for millions of Americans, particularly seniors, people of color, rural Americans, and people with disabilities, starting just next year. Lawmakers have long promised to lower health costs and rein in high drug prices — and President Biden and Democrats are actually getting the job done now.
Help Is On The Way Starting In 2023
13 million Americans will save on their health insurance premiums, saving an average of $2,400 per family.
49 million Medicare Part D beneficiaries will no longer face Big Pharma’s outrageous price hikes that exceed inflation.
3.2 million Medicare beneficiaries will have the cost of insulin capped at $35 each month.
49 million Medicare beneficiaries will have access to no cost vaccines, such as Shingles and pneumonia, starting in 2023.
The Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Prescription Drug Prices
Puts An End To Outrageous Price Increases. The Inflation Reduction Act stops Big Pharma from raising Medicare drug prices faster than the rate of inflation beginning in 2023. For example, Humira, a medication commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is one of the nation’s highest revenue generating drugs, raking in $21 billion in sales in 2019. AbbVie, Humira’s manufacturer, has hiked the price of Humira 27 times, including in January 2021 when it raised its cost by 7.4 percent. Over the past 20 years, price increases for brand-name drugs in Medicare Part D have risen at more than twice the rate of inflation.
Makes Insulin Accessible And Affordable. Insulin copays for Americans on Medicare will also be capped at $35 each month beginning in 2023.
Provides No Cost Vaccines. All adults on Medicare Part D will have access to covered vaccines, such as Shingles and Tdap, at no cost starting in 2023.
The Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Insurance Premiums
Lowers Health Insurance Premiums for Millions of Americans. A record breaking 14.5 million Americans enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan in 2021. Right now, nearly 13 million people, or 89 percent with an ACA plan, are receiving enhanced premium tax credits, making their coverage affordable and accessible. The Inflation Reduction Act will save the average American family $2,400 a year.
Caps the Amount of Money Families Pay for Health Insurance. The Inflation Reduction Act ensures families pay no more than 8.5 percent of their income towards coverage. This will help middle and working class families facing excessive premiums or living in high-premium areas. Before the American Rescue Plan, middle class families spent an average of 15 percent of their incomes on health insurance. The subsidies are designed to benefit those who need it most, and they are already means tested, which means the higher your income, the smaller your tax credits become. A family whose health insurance premiums alone — not including deductibles — are less than 8.5 percent of their income receive no tax credits at all.
Addresses Health Care Equity By Expanding Coverage for Communities of Color. The Center on Budget Policy and Priorities estimates the increased savings continued under the Inflation Reduction Act will cause a sharp decline in the uninsured rate across every racial group, with one in three uninsured Black adults gaining coverage. Prior to the American Rescue Plan, more than 11 million uninsured adults were eligible for premium tax credits, with people of color making up roughly half of the group. The premium savings provided in the American Rescue Plan have made more than 65 percent of uninsured Black adults eligible for zero dollar premium plans and 75 percent eligible for plans less than $50 a month. For uninsured Hispanic and Latino adults, now more than 68 percent are eligible for zero dollar premium plans and nearly 80 percent can access plans for less than $50 a month. Health coverage access is imperative to reducing racial disparities in health coverage across the nation.
Eliminates Premiums For Low-Wage Workers. The Inflation Reduction Act ensures no American with an income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level buying their coverage on the Marketplace will pay a premium.
Cuts Costs For Rural America. Thanks to the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, roughly 65 percent of rural Americans will have access to zero dollar premium health coverage and more than 76 percent will be able to find a plan for less than $50 a month, narrowing the coverage differences between rural and urban America.
Inflation Reduction Act Will Drive Down Health Care Costs for Millions of Americans
Washington, DC — On Friday, August 12, 2022 at 9:15 AM ET, Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-05) and U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) will join Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to lower health care premiums and prescription drug costs for the American people.
The Inflation Reduction Act lowers health care premiums by extending enhanced premium tax credits for ACA plans for three years and drives down prescription drug prices by giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower costs, capping seniors’ out-of-pocket costs for drugs at $2,000 per year, and stopping many of Big Pharma’s egregious annual price hikes. This bill will help lower costs for millions of working families and address the deep racial inequities in our health care system. The House is set to pass the historic legislation on Friday.
PRESS CALL:
WHO: Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-05) U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) Himali Patel, small business owner and patient storyteller from Georgia Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care
