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.”