October 2022

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and Health Care Advocates Join Protect Our Care on Nationwide Bus Tour to Celebrate The Inflation Reduction Act’s Historic Measures to Drive Down Health Care Costs for Kansans

Kansas City, KS — This afternoon, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One arrived in Kansas City to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. During today’s event, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and health care advocates explained how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity and how Kansans can access these savings. You can watch the event here.

“Far too many people in our community have been faced with the impossible choice between life-saving medications and everyday necessities,” said U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-03). “I am proud to say that we have finally delivered relief—because in the midst of all this policy talk, there are real people who are having a weight lifted off of them. These are the concrete solutions to rising costs that we need to be building on.”

“I have the privilege of being the mom of Izzy. She’s in sixth grade this year. Izzy was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, which means she had a hole in her spinal cord and swelling in her brain,” said Becki Uccello, Little Lobbyists. “We are fortunate to have health insurance through my husband’s employer. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, more people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage. Many people may qualify for more tax credits, and health insurance premiums after these new savings will go down.” 

“Five years ago I walked into the doctor’s office with a nagging cough and walked out with a stage four cancer diagnosis — but I was lucky. I had good insurance through the Affordable Care Act that paid for the chemotherapy and radiation that I needed,” said Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate. “Now, the Inflation Reduction Act has made health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans like me. Through this landmark legislation, lawmakers like Rep. Davids capped premiums at 8.5 percent of our income and lowered prescription drug costs, paving the way for more affordable health care for years to come.” 

Next week, the “Lower Costs, Better Care” tour will continue in Nevada, where Protect Our Care will be joined by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and U.S. Representative Susie Lee (D-NV-03). For more information, please visit protectourcare.org/bus-tour/.

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One will make stops in:
Bangor, Maine on Monday, October 3, 2022
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Monday, October 3, 2022
Concord, New Hampshire on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Scranton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
New Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Marlton, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 7, 2022
Morgantown, West Virginia on Friday, October 7, 2022
Columbus, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Flint, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Green Bay, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 13, 2022
St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, October 13, 2022
Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, October 14, 2022
Kansas City, Kansas on Friday, October 14, 2022
Reno, Nevada on Monday, October 17, 2022
Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Flagstaff, Arizona on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Boulder/Fort Collins, Colorado on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Denver, Colorado on Friday, October 21, 2022
Richmond, Virginia on Monday, October 24, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina on Monday, October 24, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Augusta, Georgia on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Orlando, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Tampa, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Miami, Florida on Friday, October 28, 2022
TBA: October 31-November 4, 2022

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Announcement Comes as President Biden Hits the West Coast Telling Seniors to Take Advantage of Lower Health Care Costs

Washington DC — Today, the White House announced that President Biden will sign an executive order directing the Department of Health and Human Services to explore new actions it can take to lower prescription drug costs for middle-class families. This announcement comes as President Biden is set to travel to California and Oregon to mark the beginning of Medicare open enrollment and highlight how seniors can take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to lower health care and prescription drug costs. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“This is what a health care presidency looks like. This executive order demonstrates that the administration is committed to doing everything in its power to lower health care costs and improve care. Already, President Biden has worked to expand affordable coverage, stop surprise billing, strengthen maternal care and reduce racial disparities in our health care system. By signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law, President Biden delivered lower prescription drug costs and ACA premiums for millions of families. Now, when seniors go to select their Medicare plan for next year, they will see lower Part B premiums and reduced drug prices. It has never been more clear that President Biden will not give up the fight until every American has access to high-quality, affordable health care.”  

U.S. Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Reps. Angie Craig and Dean Phillips, MNsure CEO Nate Clark Join Protect Our Care on Nationwide Bus Tour to Celebrate The Inflation Reduction Act’s Historic Measures to Drive Down Health Care Costs for Minnesotans

WATCH THE EVENT HERE

St. Paul, MN— This afternoon, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One arrived in St. Paul to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives. During today’s event ,US Senator Tina Smith, US Representatives Angie Craig and Dean Phillips, and MNsure CEO Nate Clark explained how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, gives Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, lowers prescription drug prices for seniors, and how Minnesotans can access these savings. 

“When we were first elected to Congress in 2018, our health care system was on life support,”said Representative Dean Phillips. “The Affordable Care Act narrowly survived repeal at the hands of President Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress. Americans with pre-existing conditions were under constant threat of being denied coverage and the tax credits helping tens of thousands of Minnesotans purchase health insurance were at risk of being eliminated or drastically reduced. We promised to help because our constituents urgently needed change, and this summer, when we passed the Inflation Reduction Act, we delivered on that promise.”

“It was great to be part of Protect Our Care’s stop in St. Paul today to celebrate the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, which will help millions of Americans save money on prescription drugs and access affordable health care coverage,” said Senator Tina Smith. “No one should have to decide between affording their medications or a doctor’s visit and paying their bills. This is going to save lives by saving people money, and we did it without the help of a single Republican.”

“Under the Inflation Reduction Act, we have unleashed the power of 50 million seniors, and empowered Medicare to start negotiating better prices on our prescription drugs,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar, who celebrated the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act in Minnesota via remarks read on her behalf at the event. “The new  law also extends enhanced ACA  tax credits that keep down monthly premiums, making more Minnesotans –  approximately 85,000 altogether – eligible for big savings.”

Representative Angie Craig said, “In August, Democrats unanimously passed the Inflation Reduction Act – making historic reforms and long-overdue improvements to our health care system. The passage of this legislation means reduced health care costs for thousands of Minnesotans – and we got it done while every single Republican in Congress voted against it. The bill will lower health care costs by extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for three years, capping monthly copays of life-saving drugs, such as insulin, lowering prescription drug prices and protecting Americans on Medicare from Big Pharma’s exorbitant price hikes. This is a big deal for Minnesota seniors and working families.”

“Because of the Inflation Reduction Act, MNsure projects that eligible Minnesotans will save up to $284 million dollars on lower premiums in 2023, keeping an average $560/month in consumers’ pockets,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “This legislation will reduce costs for thousands of families across our state and increase access to crucial health services like ER visits, children’s check-ups, and cancer screenings that are always covered by plans sold on MNsure.org.”

“When I became a Medicare member in 2014, a three-month supply of Humira cost more than $1,400 after insurance,” said AARP member Ken McInnis. “By February of 2021, that price increased by 245 percent. My share increased to three thousand, sixty dollars and 65 cents. That’s a 38.5 percent increase per year in my out-of-pocket costs. And that’s only one prescription. The Inflation Reduction Act will save me and thousands of others like me important dollars on our prescription drug costs.”

Tomorrow, the “Lower Costs, Better Care” tour will continue in Des Moines, Iowa, and in Kansas City, Kansas where Protect Our Care will be joined by Congresswoman Sharice Davids. For more information, please visit protectourcare.org/bus-tour/.

You can watch the event here.

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One will make stops in: 
Bangor, Maine on Monday, October 3, 2022
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Monday, October 3, 2022
Concord, New Hampshire on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Scranton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
New Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Marlton, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 7, 2022
Morgantown, West Virginia on Friday, October 7, 2022
Columbus, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Flint, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Green Bay, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 13, 2022
St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, October 13, 2022
Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, October 14, 2022
Kansas City, Kansas on Friday, October 14, 2022
Reno, Nevada on Monday, October 17, 2022
Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Flagstaff, Arizona on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Boulder/Fort Collins, Colorado on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Denver, Colorado on Friday, October 21, 2022
Richmond, Virginia on Monday, October 24, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina on Monday, October 24, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Augusta, Georgia on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Orlando, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Tampa, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Miami, Florida on Friday, October 28, 2022
TBA: October 31-November 4, 2022

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022 AT 3:30 PM CT***

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Contact: Matt Sinovic, 785-817-6908, [email protected]

Care Force One Rolls into Kansas City, KS, on Friday to Celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s Health Care Measures

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

On day ten of Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for an event in Kansas City, Kansas, celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs. During the events, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity.

The “Lower Costs, Better Care” five-week tour will thank lawmakers who fought tirelessly to pass this historic bill and call out Republicans in Congress for rejecting measures to lower costs for millions of working families and seniors and addressing deep inequities in our health care system. Lawmakers have long worked to lower health costs and rein in high drug prices — but lawmakers like Rep. Davids actually got the job done — with help on the way in just a matter of months. Read more about the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here. 

KANSAS CITY, KS

WHO:
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-03)
Sharon Trapp Hendrix, Medicare drug cost storyteller
Donna Lehane, KS Alliance for Retired Americans
Becki Uccello, Little Lobbyists
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate  

WHERE: Rosedale Park: 4100 Mission Rd, Kansas City, KS 66103

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2022 at 3:30 PM CT

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Contact: Jeremy Drucker (612) 670-9650

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY OCTOBER 13 AT 2PM ***

 Care Force One Rolls into St. Paul, MN on October 13 as Part of Nationwide “Lower Cost, Better Care” Tour

St. Paul, MN — On Thursday, October 13 at 2PM, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig and Dean Phillips, and MNsure CEO Nate Clark will join health care advocates and local residents as part of Protect Our Care’s nationwide bus tour to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs for millions of working families and seniors. At Thursday’s event, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, gives Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, lowers prescription drug prices for seniors, and let Minnesotans know how and when they can access these new benefits. The event will take place in front of Care Force One at the Minnesota State Capitol on Thursday, October 13th at 2:00 PM.

WHO: 
US Senator Tina Smith
US Representative Angie Craig
US Representative Dean Phillips
MNsure CEO Nate Clark
Ken McInnis, a senior who will save on prescription drug costs
Protect Our Care Minnesota

WHAT: Protect Our Care Minnesota “Lower Cost, Better Care” Bus Tour Press Conference

WHERE: Care Force One, Minnesota State Capitol

WHEN: Thursday October 13th at 2:00 PM

The bus, called Care Force One, will travel 12,000 miles across the country, with more than 40 events in 21 states. Protect Our Care’s national bus tour is promoting the new benefits available to the American people thanks to the work of President Biden, US Senator Tina Smith, US Reps. Angie Craig and Dean Phillips, and dozens of Democratic lawmakers who championed the Inflation Reduction Act.

For more information on the Protect Our Care “Lower Cost, Better Care” Bus Tour visit  https://www.protectourcare.org/bus-tour/ 

Nationwide Bus Tour Is Celebrating The Inflation Reduction Act’s Historic Measures to Drive Down Health Care Costs

WATCH THE EVENT HERE.

MILWAUKEE, WI — This morning, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One arrived in Milwaukee to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives. During today’s event, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin explained how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans and lowers prescription drug prices for seniors on Medicare. 

Senator Baldwin was joined by Wisconsin Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, in addition to local residents who will benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act. 

“Wisconsin working families need lower costs and President Biden and Congressional Democrats are delivering results with the Inflation Reduction Act. Our reforms will close tax loopholes for big, billion-dollar corporations and make them pay a fairer share of taxes so we can cut the deficit and lower the out-of-pocket costs for working families,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. “The legislation will lower health care premiums and finally take on big drug companies to lower prescription drug costs. While every member of the Wisconsin Republican Congressional delegation stood with big drug companies and billion-dollar corporations, Democrats are fighting inflation and delivering some relief for working families.”

“I’ve seen the devastating impacts that Wisconsinites are far too familiar with. I’ve spoken to families who have lost everything because of thousands upon thousands of dollars of medical debt that they receive after lifesaving treatment. I’ve met young people who have fallen off going to the doctor because they’re afraid of surprise bills, they’re not sure how they’re going to be able to pay for it,” said Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes. “People have to choose between crucial medication like insulin or if they’re going to pay for the groceries or not. Wisconsinites in all corners of this state are forgoing health care simply because they cannot afford it. Nobody should have to go bankrupt because of medical bills.” 

“Why pharmaceutical companies have to price these life-saving drugs out of reach for Medicare recipients is a question I hope will be addressed by giving Medicare the ability to negotiate drug prices,” said Milwaukee area resident David Marstellar, a senior on Medicare, “I’m excited that the Inflation Reduction Act will ease some of the burden of the cost of these life-saving drugs for millions of Americans.”

“I’m proud to have fought against Republican efforts to deny people access to health care. Early in my term, I withdrew Wisconsin from the lawsuit seeking to end the Affordable Care Act and eliminate protections for people with a pre-existing condition,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “I strongly support expanding Medicaid. And I’m leading the fight in court to block enforcement of our draconian 1849 abortion ban. We need to keep working to lower costs and expand access to affordable, comprehensive health care,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul.

Later today and tomorrow the “Lower Costs, Better Care” tour will continue in Wisconsin, with stops in Green Bay and Eau Claire. For more information, please visit protectourcare.org/bus-tour/.

You can watch the event here.

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One will make stops in: 
Bangor, Maine on Monday, October 3, 2022
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Monday, October 3, 2022
Concord, New Hampshire on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Scranton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
New Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Marlton, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 7, 2022
Morgantown, West Virginia on Friday, October 7, 2022
Columbus, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Flint, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Green Bay, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 13, 2022
St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, October 13, 2022
Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, October 14, 2022
Kansas City, Kansas on Friday, October 14, 2022
Reno, Nevada on Monday, October 17, 2022
Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Flagstaff, Arizona on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Boulder/Fort Collins, Colorado on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Denver, Colorado on Friday, October 21, 2022
Richmond, Virginia on Monday, October 24, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina on Monday, October 24, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Augusta, Georgia on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Orlando, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Tampa, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Miami, Florida on Friday, October 28, 2022
TBA: October 31-November 4, 2022

Thanks to President Biden, More Than One Million Americans Will Gain Coverage or Save Money on Their Health Care

Yesterday, the Biden administration issued a final rule to fix the “family glitch,” which has blocked working families from accessing affordable coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. The Biden administration’s rule will expand coverage to an estimated 200,000 uninsured people and lower health care costs for more than one million Americans. 

Of the estimated 5.1 million Americans stuck in the family glitch, 2.8 million are children who are not eligible for CHIP. Lack of affordability continues to be a significant barrier to health coverage and an obstacle that must be addressed to reduce health inequities. Fixing the family glitch will especially help people of color, rural Americans, and low-income families access the health care they need. 

COVERAGE:

The Hill: New Rule Opens ObamaCare Subsidies To More Families Seeking Coverage. “Nearly one million additional Americans will have access to ObamaCare subsidies next year under a final rule issued Tuesday by the Biden administration. The rule fixes the so-called “family glitch,” a loophole in the health law that prevents family members from receiving ObamaCare subsidies if a household member has access to an affordable employer-sponsored health plan.” [The Hill, 10/11/22]

CNN: Biden Finalizes Plan To Open Up Obamacare Subsidies To More Families. “More families will be able to access Affordable Care Act subsidies next year, under a final rule issued by the Biden administration Tuesday. The announcement comes less than a month before the start of open enrollment for 2023 coverage on the Obamacare exchanges. Americans can start signing up on November 1. The final rule aims to address a longstanding problem with Obamacare’s regulations pertaining to the affordability of employer coverage, known as the “family glitch.”” [CNN, 10/11/22]

Fierce Healthcare: Biden Administration Finalizes Rule To Get Rid Of ACA’s ‘Family Glitch.’ “The Biden administration finalized on Tuesday a rule that fixes a glitch in the Affordable Care Act that can inadvertently raise insurance costs on certain families. The Treasury Department released a final rule on Tuesday that targets a lingering issue that has led some low-income families to not receive premium assistance. The new rule will go into effect next month. “About one million Americans will either gain coverage or see their insurance become more affordable as a result of the new rule,” said President Joe Biden in a statement Tuesday. “It builds on our progress so far, which has brought the rate of uninsured Americans to a record-low eight percent.”” [Fierce Healthcare, 10/11/22]

Reuters: Biden Administration Finalizes Obamacare ‘Family Glitch’ Fix. “The Biden administration on Tuesday finalized a rule it said would fix the so-called family glitch in the Affordable Care Act that priced many people out of health insurance and would help over a million Americans. The fix, first proposed by the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service in April, addresses an element of the healthcare law that left family members of those with access to employer-provided health plans ineligible for certain subsidies.” [Reuters, 10/11/22]

Modern Healthcare: New Rules Fix ‘Flaw’ For Families Seeking Obamacare Coverage. “Families who get expensive health insurance through employers could see a price break if they sign up instead for coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace this fall. The Treasury Department on Tuesday announced new rules that determine the tax breaks for certain families when they buy private health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. The new interpretation of the Obama-era health law aims to fix the ” family glitch, ” which determines a family’s eligibility for ACA tax credits based on the cost of an individual’s work-sponsored health insurance plan rather than the cost of the plan for the whole family.” [Modern Healthcare, 10/11/22]

REACTIONS:

President Biden: “I’ve got progress to report – today, @USTreasury finalized the rule to fix the “family glitch” once and for all. Starting November 1st, thousands of families impacted can go to https://Healthcare.gov to take advantage of this change.” [@POTUS, 10/11/22]

Vice President Harris: “We’re making sure families, not only employees, can access affordable health care coverage. By fixing the “family glitch,” about 1 million Americans will gain coverage or receive more affordable coverage in November.” [@VP, 10/11/22]

Secretary Becerra: “Today, we issued a final rule to strengthen implementation of the Affordable Care Act by fixing the ‘family glitch.’ This is the most significant administrative action to implement the ACA since the law was enacted & brings more affordable health care to around 1M Americans.” [@SecBecerra, 10/11/22]

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: “MAGA Republicans have spent years trying to strip away health care coverage from American families. Today, Democrats are building on the ACA to deliver cheaper, more reliable health care for families.” [@SenSchumer, 10/11/22] 

Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “In April, @POTUS took a powerful step to make health care more affordable and accessible by ending the “family glitch” in the Affordable Care Act — strengthening the law so that it functions as Congress intended.” [@SpeakerPelosi, 10/11/22]

Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee: “Fixing the “family glitch” is going to help so many families across Washington state save hundreds of dollars a month on their health care coverage. This is another big win for WA state families!” [@PattyMurray, 10/11/22]

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer: “With the release of today’s final rule from the Treasury Department, we finally have a fix for the so-called ‘family glitch’ in the Affordable Care Act…  This rule is yet another step Democrats have taken to improve upon the ACA and make health care more accessible and affordable… In the face of Republicans’ universal rejection of both the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, as well as their threats to cut Medicare and other programs, House Democrats will continue fighting to make make access to affordable health care a reality for all Americans.” [Statement, 10/11/22]

Rep. Frank Pallone, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee: “I strongly support @POTUS’s final rule to fix the ‘family glitch.’ This change will help approximately 1 million Americans either gain coverage or see their monthly health insurance premiums go down when open enrollment begins on November 1st.  #PeopleOverPolitics” [@FrankPallone, 10/11/22]

Rep. Katie Porter: “Earlier this year, I called out a loophole that makes ACA insurance more expensive for certain families. I’m glad that a fix for this ‘family glitch’ was finalized today, which will bring down health care costs for a million Americans.” [@RepKatiePorter, 10/11/22]

Rep. Susan Wild: “Great news! Today, @USTreasury finalized the rule to close the ‘family glitch’ once and for all. I worked on this issue since 2019, and I’m so glad to see it resolved so nearly one million Americans can get more affordable health coverage when Open Enrollment begins next month.” [@RepSusanWild, 10/11/22]

Rep. Cindy Axne: “I applaud the Biden Administration for taking action to end the “family glitch” that has long excluded family members, including children, from accessing high-quality, affordable health care coverage,” said Rep. Axne. “The final rule issued today will allow more Iowans to save money and get the affordable coverage that they deserve through the Affordable Care Act, just in time for the November 1st open enrollment period. I’d encourage all uninsured Iowans to head to healthcare.gov on November 1st to learn about the plans available to them.” [Statement, 10/11/22]

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022***

Care Force One Rolls into Milwaukee and Green Bay for Nationwide Bus Tour Celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act

Watch the Events Here. 

Wisconsin — Today, Governor Tony Evers (D-WI), U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, and Attorney General Josh Kaul will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for events in Milwaukee and Green Bay celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs. During the events, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity.

The “Lower Costs, Better Care” five-week tour will thank lawmakers who fought tirelessly to pass this historic bill and call out Republicans in Congress for rejecting measures to lower costs for millions of working families and seniors and addressing deep inequities in our health care system. Lawmakers have long worked to lower health costs and rein in high drug prices — but President Biden and Democrats in Congress actually got the job done— with help on the way in just a matter of months. Read more about the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here. 

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

WHO: 
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes
Attorney General Josh Kaul
Milwaukee residents
Laura Packard, National Health Care Advocate

WHERE: Care Force One, Sherman Phoenix 3536 W. Fond du Lac Avenue, Milwaukee

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12th at 9:30am CT

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN

WHO: 
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
Vik V., NE Wisconsin Resident
Dr. Kristin Lyerly, MD/MPH
Laura Packard, National Health Care Advocate

WHERE: Care Force One, Leicht Memorial Park, 128 Dousman St., Green Bay

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12 at 3:00pm CT

President Biden Finalizes Measure to Strengthen the ACA and Lower Health Care Costs for Working Families

Washington, DC — Today, the Biden administration issued a final rule to fix the “family glitch,”  which has blocked millions of families from accessing affordable coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. The Biden administration’s rule will expand coverage and lower health care costs for more than one million Americans. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“The Affordable Care Act is the gift that keeps on giving. Fixing the family glitch is just the latest example of how the Biden administration’s commitment to strengthening the ACA is increasing coverage, lowering costs and addressing health equity. Working families across the country will save hundreds of dollars a month on health insurance, dramatically increasing the number of insured Americans and giving them more room to pay for other necessities like food, gas, and rent. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have already announced their opposition to this commonsense measure and virtually every other step that the Biden administration has taken to make health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable. Fortunately, President Biden has not stopped delivering on his promise to lower costs, improve care, and put the needs of families first.” 

BACKGROUND:

The “Family Glitch” Impacts Millions of Americans. Millions of Americans qualify for affordable employer health coverage and are therefore not eligible for ACA premium savings on the Marketplace. However, as workers add dependents onto their health coverage, premiums rise, pushing the total cost of health coverage far beyond the percentage of income stipulated by the ACA. Because of the Family Glitch, workers are not eligible to receive premium subsidies through a Marketplace plan. the family glitch and it is estimated to impact more than five million Americans. 

Fixing The Family Glitch Benefits Children & Improves Health Equity. Of the estimated 5.1 million Americans in the family glitch, the vast majority are relatively low-income and 2.8 million are children who are not eligible for CHIP. This puts families in the terrible situation of having to choose between health insurance for their children and other necessities. Lack of affordability continues to be a significant barrier to health coverage and an obstacle that must be addressed to reduce health inequities. Fixing the family glitch will especially help people of color, rural Americans, and low-income families access the health care they need. 

Families Could Save Hundreds Of Dollars Per Month. A Health Affairs study estimated Americans in the family glitch pay an average of 15.8 percent of their income towards health premiums, nearly double what is permitted under the ACA. President Biden has proposed a rule that would eliminate the family glitch and allow families to purchase affordable coverage on the Marketplace with premium tax credits. Under this rule, 200,000 uninsured Americans would gain coverage and many families would save hundreds of dollars each much on health premiums.

Protect Our Care’s Nationwide Bus Tour Celebrates The Inflation Reduction Act’s Historic Measures to Drive Down Health Care Costs for Ohioans

WATCH THE EVENT HERE 

CLEVELAND, OH — Today, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One bus arrived in Cleveland and was joined by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care measures will increase access and lower costs, reduce racial inequities, strengthen families, and save lives. During the event, Sen. Brown, Rep. Brown, and Cleveland community leaders, health care advocates, and seniors discussed how the bill will lower prescription drug prices, lower premiums, and increase access to health care.

“Because of the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act – we’re making sure hardworking families are getting the help they need,” said Sen. Brown. “We’re making health care more affordable, we’re helping to curb the cost of prescription drugs and we’re finally taking on the drug companies to lower drug prices. We know prescription drugs are some of the most overpriced goods many Ohioans are forced to pay for each month.”

“We are capping costs and putting money back into people’s pockets,” said Rep. Brown, who outlined how the law will help families in Ohio’s 11th Congressional District. “No one in the wealthiest country in the world should have to choose between putting food on the table and affording their medications to survive. We are fighting to take care of Americans and making sure they have a better quality of life. We have the Inflation Reduction Act to thank, along with the Biden-Harris Administration and Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate.”

“Thanks to President Biden, Democrats in Congress, and the leadership of Congresswoman Shontel Brown – who happens to be my Congresswoman – and with the leadership of the best Senator in the United States, Sherrod Brown, many Americans will get much needed relief with this act,” said Steve Lieber, a Cleveland senior, former organized labor leader and retiree. “And this all happened with no help from Republicans, who stood with Big Pharma.”

“The Affordable Care Act saved my life,” said Laura Packard. “Five years ago I walked into the doctor’s office with a nagging cough and walked out with a stage four cancer diagnosis — but I was lucky. I had good insurance through the ACA that paid for the chemotherapy and radiation that I needed. Now, the Inflation Reduction Act has made health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans like me. Through this landmark legislation, President Biden and Democrats in Congress capped premiums at 8.5 percent of our income and lowered prescription drug costs, paving the way for more affordable health care for years to come.” 

In addition to Sen. Brown, Rep. Brown, Lieber and Packard, the event featured Yvonka Hall, the Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition. A recording of the event is available here.

For more information on the “Lower Costs, Better Care” tour, please visit protectourcare.org/bus-tour/.

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One is making stops in: 

Bangor, Maine on Monday, October 3, 2022
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Monday, October 3, 2022
Concord, New Hampshire on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Scranton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
New Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Marlton, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 7, 2022
Morgantown, West Virginia on Friday, October 7, 2022
Columbus, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Flint, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Green Bay, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 13, 2022
St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, October 13, 2022
Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, October 14, 2022
Kansas City, Missouri on Friday, October 14, 2022
Reno, Nevada on Monday, October 17, 2022
Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Flagstaff, Arizona on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Boulder/Fort Collins, Colorado on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Denver, Colorado on Friday, October 21, 2022
Richmond, Virginia on Monday, October 24, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina on Monday, October 24, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Augusta, Georgia on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Orlando, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Tampa, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Miami, Florida on Friday, October 28, 2022
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