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Protect Our Care CA To Protest Scott Peters’ Decision to Vote With Big Pharma and Against Patients With Mobile Billboard, Patients and Advocates

**MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TODAY, 9/17 AT 11:15 am PT**

Protect Our Care CA to Protest Scott Peters’ Decision to Vote With Big Pharma and Against Patients With Mobile Billboard, Patients and Advocates

Event Comes After Rep. Peters Voted No on Medicare Negotiation in the Energy & Commerce Committee Budget Markup

9 Out Of 10 CA-52 Voters Support Allowing Medicare To Negotiate; 75% of Voters Think Drug Prices Are Unreasonable

San Diego, CA — A mobile billboard sponsored by Protect Our Care will appear in front of Rep. Scott Peters’ district office with advocates from the AIDs Healthcare Foundation on Friday, September 17 calling on the congressman to stand up to Big Pharma and bring relief to San Diego’s seniors and families who struggle to afford their medications. This week, Rep. Peters turned his back on his constituents and voted against Medicare negotiation in committee, but he has a chance to do the right thing when the final bill goes to the House floor. 

Rep. Peters voted in favor of Medicare negotiation in 2019, but he has since reversed course after being showered in campaign cash by pharmaceutical companies and their CEOs. Over the course of his career, Rep. Peters has received $860,465 in campaign contributions from drug companies. Now, he’s siding with Big Pharma over his own constituents. 

The event comes as Congress is closing in on a budget agreement that will transform the lives of American families nationwide. President Biden and Democrats are leading the charge to include Medicare negotiation and other key health care priorities in the Build Back Better package, but the fight is not over: Big Pharma is ramping up its lobbying and scare tactics to protect its profits and lie to the American people. This event will make clear that Rep. Peters must not cower to the demands of drug companies and deliver on his promises to his constituents and all Americans. 

Event Details:

WHO:
Protect Our Care California State Director, Deborah Carmiel
AIDS Healthcare Foundation

WHAT: Local Advocates to Rally Against U.S. Representative Scott Peters’ Vote Against Lowering Drug Prices

WHERE: 4350 Executive Drive, Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92121

WHEN: Today, Friday September 17th at 11:15 AM PT

The mobile billboard outside Peters’ district office comes on the heels of a new project showing the overwhelming, bipartisan support for this reform across California’s 52nd Congressional District represented by Rep. Scott Peters. With this project and interactive map, Rep. Scott Peters and his constituents can now find the level of backing for Medicare negotiation, opinions about pharmaceutical companies, concerns about Congress failing to act, and belief in pharma’s top arguments. The project was conducted by Data for Progress on behalf of Protect Our Care and Patients For Affordable Drugs Now.

The model shows that:

  • 9 out of 10 (90%) of CA-52 voters back reforms that give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices;
  • More than 7 out of 10 (75%) voters believe prescription drug costs are “unreasonable”;
  • 81% of voters reject pharma’s argument that lowering drug prices will harm innovation and believe that we can let Medicare negotiate lower prices without harming innovation and development.
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TODAY: Local Healthcare Workers and Advocates to Rally Outside Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar’s Office Urging Her to Support the Build Back Better Agenda

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 11:00 AM ET***

TODAY: Local Healthcare Workers and Advocates to Rally Outside Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar’s Office Urging Her to Support the Build Back Better Agenda

Miami, FL — On Friday, September 17 at 11:00 AM ET, health care advocates and union workers will hold an in-person rally outside Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar’s office in response to her lack of support for the overwhelmingly popular Build Back Better agenda and refusal to support meaningful action to lower prescription drug prices for Floridians.

Democrats are committed to lowering drug prices for American families through the reconciliation bill currently being debated in Congress, while Republicans are hell-bent on protecting Big Pharma’s profits. Americans pay three times more for drugs than people in other countries, forcing millions of families to choose between lifesaving prescriptions and other necessities like groceries or rent. 

There is overwhelming, bipartisan support for Medicare negotiation in Florida and the need to lower prescription drug prices. Data for Progress’ new research shows that 9 out of 10 Florida voters in Congressional District 27 support allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices, and 76% of voters in the district think drug prices are unreasonable (more details available on this interactive map).

RALLY:

WHO:
Local Health Care Workers and Advocates

WHAT: Rally to Urge Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar to Stand Up For Floridians and Support the Build Back Better Agenda

WHERE: 3571 NW 7th Street, Bay F, Miami, FL 33126

WHEN: Friday, September 17 at 11:00 AM ET

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TODAY: Former Rep. Harley Rouda and Local Advocates to Rally Outside Rep. Michelle Steel’s Office to Tell Her to Stop Putting Big Pharma’s Profits Over Patients

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 11:00 AM PT // 2:00 PM ET***

TODAY: Former Rep. Harley Rouda and Local Advocates to Rally Outside Rep. Michelle Steel’s Office to Tell Her to Stop Putting Big Pharma’s Profits Over Patients

Orange County, CA — On Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 AM PT // 2:00 PM ET, Former Rep. Harley Rouda and local advocates will join Protect Our Care CA for an in-person rally outside Rep. Michelle Steels’ (R-CA-48) office to highlight how President Biden and the Democrats’ efforts will lower costs and expand access to health care in California and across the country. It is imperative that California Democrats unite in the wake of the recall victory to support their national agenda, including historic measures for humane, affordable health care. 

The purpose of this rally is to continue to urge members of Congress like Scott Peters, Lou Correa, and Tony Cardenas to sign on to essential policies such as HR3 even as we continue to push California Republicans such as Michelle Steel to join us and fight on behalf of their districts. 

President Biden’s Build Back Better proposal includes driving down prescription drug prices, expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, dental and hearing, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, and dramatically lowering the cost of health insurance for millions. This entire package contains additional support to Californians with the extension of the child tax credit and health care subsidies; the proposal also includes critical environmental, labor and immigrant reforms. Our message to Michelle Steel is clear, stop obstruction; Californians need you to act! 

RALLY:

WHO:
Former U.S. Representative Harley Rouda (D-CA-48)
Orange County Health Care Advocates
Protect Our Care California

WHAT: In Person Rally to Tell Rep. Michelle Steel to Stop Putting Big Pharma’s Profits Over Patients

WHERE: Rep. Michelle Steel’s Office, 117011 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647

WHEN: Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 AM PT // 2:00 PM ET

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TODAY: West Virginia House Minority Leader Doug Skaff and Local Advocates to Highlight How Historic Health Care Investments Will Impact the Mountain State

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 11:00 AM ET***

TODAY: West Virginia House Minority Leader Doug Skaff and Local Advocates to Highlight How Historic Health Care Investments Will Impact the Mountain State

 Charleston, WV — On Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 AM ET West Virginia House Minority Leader Doug Skaff and local advocates will join Protect Our Care WV for a virtual press conference to highlight how the efforts of President Biden and Democrats in Congress will lower costs and expand access to health care in West Virginia and across the country. 

Expanding access to quality, affordable health care has never been more critical. The pandemic has laid bare the high costs and alarming inequities in our health care system, and it has demonstrated that health care must be a right, not a privilege. President Biden and Democrats in Congress are fighting to make this a reality in West Virginia, by working to include historic health care provisions in their budget reconciliation legislation. 

President Biden’s Build Back Better proposal includes driving down prescription drug prices, expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, and dramatically lowering the cost of health insurance for millions.

PRESS CALL:

WHO:
Doug Skaff, West Virginia House Minority Leader
Dr. Jessica Ice, Executive Director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care
Mindy Salango, Morgantown resident and Type 1 Diabetic
Ryan Frankenberry, WV Working Families Party State Director

WHAT: Virtual Press Conference to Highlight How Historic Health Care Investments Will Impact West Virginians 

WHERE: Register for the Event Here 

WHEN: Tuesday, September 16 at 11:00 AM ET

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HEADLINES: 2.8 Million Americans Gain Coverage Thanks To President Biden’s Special Enrollment Period

The White House has announced that ACA enrollment has reached a record high of 12.2 million people due to President Biden’s special enrollment period, which allowed nearly three million people to enroll in health coverage. The Biden administration opened the SEP in February 2021 to ensure people could access ACA coverage during the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, more Americans will have access to high-quality, affordable health care for years to come.  

Washington Post: Special Enrollment For ACA Health Plans Attracts Nearly 3 Million Consumers. “The additional enrollees push the reliance on ACA health plans to a record level of 12.2 million since the insurance marketplaces that were created under the law first offered health plans in 2014…Wednesday’s report shows that 2.1 million people signed up for new coverage in those states that use HealthCare.gov. In addition, more than 700,000 signed up in 15 states that run their own marketplaces under the ACA.” [Washington Post, 9/15/21]

Bloomberg: Biden Says 2.8 Million Bought Health Coverage In Special Period. “President Joe Biden said 2.8 million Americans signed up for health insurance through Obamacare exchanges during a special enrollment period started early in his presidency, pushing the number of Americans who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act to an all-time high.” [Bloomberg, 9/15/21]

AP: Nearly 3M Get Health Coverage During COVID-19 Sign-Up. “Biden said Wednesday that the subsidies in his COVID-19 relief law have helped trim premiums by about $67 a month for people who buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act, and that 4 in 10 consumers who bought during the special sign-up window found plans for $10 a month or less. Out-of-pocket expenses have also dropped.” [AP, 9/15/21]

Reuters: Nearly 3 Mln Americans Sign Up For Healthcare During Special Enrollment Period. “More than four in 10 Americans who gained coverage during the special enrollment period found a plan for $10 or less a month…Twenty states and the District of Columbia saw premiums decrease by more than $75 a month. Out-of-pocket spending also declined with the median deductible for new enrollees dropping by more than 90%, from $750 to $50” [Reuters, 9/15/21]

Spectrum News: Special Enrollment Period Spurs 2.8 Million Affordable Care Act Sign-Ups. “Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, passed by Congress in March, included enhanced tax credits that lowered premiums for millions of Americans who buy their coverage through the ACA… those subsidies have cut ACA premiums by an average of $67 a month, or about $800 a year. More than four in 10 Americans signed up for plans that cost $10 or less each month. And out-of-pocket spending has declined “dramatically” due to cutting the median deductible for new enrollees from $750 to $50.” [Spectrum News, 9/15/21]

Washington Times: Biden: Special Enrollment Period Sparked 2.8M Obamacare Signups. “Mr. Biden’s coronavirus bill temporarily increased the assistance across the board and made people earning over 400% above the poverty line eligible for federal assistance for the first time, removing the income cap and offering financial help if “benchmark” premiums exceed 8.5% of income. The president said the jump in sign-ups offers a good reason to extend the benefit as part of his sweeping family assistance proposals now being debated in Congress.” [Washington Times, 9/15/21]

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BREAKING: 2.8 Million Americans Gained Health Coverage Thanks To President Biden’s Special Enrollment Period

Washington, DC — Today, the White House announced that 2.8 million people gained health coverage thanks to President Biden’s special enrollment period, raising ACA enrollment to a record high of 12.2 million people. In February, the Biden administration opened the SEP to ensure people could get coverage as they faced economic hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“From day one, President Biden put the health and well-being of Americans first, and now we’re seeing his true impact. Nearly three million Americans gained access to coverage thanks to the Biden administration’s decision to open a special enrollment period — a step that the previous administration refused to take despite pleas from health care experts nationwide. The American Rescue Plan only bolstered ACA enrollment by making coverage more affordable for millions of families. 

“Now, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are on the cusp of delivering even more relief for the American people by putting historic health care measures in the Build Back Better budget package. Democrats are fighting to lower prescription drug prices through Medicare negotiation, close the Medicaid coverage gap, expand Medicare benefits to include hearing, dental, and vision, and make permanent the American Rescue Plan’s premium subsidies to make coverage even more affordable. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, not only do more Americans have the health care they need during the pandemic, but they will have access to quality, affordable care for years to come.” 

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Senator Klobuchar Stressed “This Is Our Moment” To Pass Medicare Negotiation At Virtual Rally for Lower Drug Prices

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Joined Health Care Storytellers and Advocates from Across the Country To Call for Giving Medicare the Power to Negotiate for Lower Drug Prices Now

Watch the Event Here 

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) headlined a virtual rally with Protect Our Care to illustrate the growing momentum for keeping Medicare negotiation in upcoming budget legislation. Health care advocates from Alaska to Florida shared their personal stories, demonstrating the dire need for lawmakers to take action to lower drug prices. Voters across the country agree Medicare negotiation is a critical step to lower drug costs and improve care for all Americans. 

Congress is closing in on a budget agreement that will transform the lives of American families nationwide. President Biden and Democrats are fighting to include Medicare negotiation and other key health care priorities in the Build Back Better package, but the fight is not over: Big Pharma is ramping up its lobbying and scare tactics to protect its profits and lie to the American people. Today’s event made clear that Democrats will not cower to the demands of drug companies and will deliver on their promises to the American people. 

“Too many Americans, and in particular our seniors, have been crushed by the weight of the system. They feel it when the price of their prescription drugs double, when they have to choose to take their medications or pay their electric bill, and when they stretch their supply by skipping doses and rationing pills,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). “If we allow the government to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies, it’s going to mean lower drug prices and billions in savings. We can fix this in this reconciliation bill. This is our moment.”

“The insulin I currently use, Humalog, has a list price of almost $300 per vial,” said Iesha Meza, patient storyteller from Arizona. “I shouldn’t have to make life-threatening sacrifices in order to afford the medication that I literally need to survive. Right now, Congress has the best chance to pass Medicare negotiation than it has had in years. I can envision a reality where I no longer have to live in fear of not being able to afford my insulin. I know I’m not alone; Arizonans like me need lower drug prices and they need them now.” 

“People like me have become medical refugees, relying on other countries to provide medicines at affordable prices,” said Travis Paulson, a patient storyteller from Minnesota. “Every day the government doesn’t take action is another day Big Pharma is lining its pockets at our expense. We can’t allow them to get away with what their price gouging is doing to American families. We’re struggling right now, and this is the best chance America has had in years to pass legislation that’ll allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices on behalf of the American people.” 

“We need our lawmakers’ support for lower drug prices. It’s crucial,” said Mindy Salango, a patient storyteller from West Virginia. “We’ve all been suffering. Across the country, people are suffering and dying because they can’t afford their medications. They’re rationing their insulin and not taking their medication as they should because they can’t afford it. It’s time it stopped. The time is now!”

“Every patient I’ve served wants the same thing, they want quality, affordable care, which includes the cost of medications,” said Nedra Fortson, Executive Director of Samaritan Clinic and nurse practitioner from Georgia. “This is the number one concern I hear from my patients, regardless of their station in life. Those who can’t afford the cost will either forgo the medication altogether or have to wait weeks for pharmaceutical programs to approve their application for a brand equivalent. Now is the time to act. We need Medicare negotiation now.”

“A lifesaving drug does not save a person’s life if they cannot afford to buy it,” said Jay Gupta, Director of Pharmacy at Harbor Care in New Hampshire. “Medicare helps this country’s most vulnerable populations afford medications, and lower drug prices have the potential to impact every beneficiary. Here’s my appeal to the pharmaceutical companies: please stop making silly excuses, you will only lose pocket change. ” 

“I spend $18,000 every ten days to treat my hemophilia and, if you add that up, just for the medicine alone, it’s $670,000 a year. With all the additional costs, it’s well over $750,000 a year,” said Dustin Klein, patient storyteller from Wisconsin. “That’s why it’s so important now that we are able to negotiate for lower drug costs with Medicare and other insurance. We need Congress to act to ensure people of all backgrounds and on all types of insurance are able to benefit from negotiated lower drug prices. Let’s get it done.” 

“Americans are tired. They’re tired of the broken system that allows drug companies to charge them three times more for medications than people in other countries. They’re tired of the price  increases that come year after year for drugs that have been around for decades. And they’re tired of making impossible choices between putting food on the table and affording the medications they need to survive,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “Congress is closer than ever to putting an end to Big Pharma’s greed and finally giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices for all Americans. With leaders like Senator Klobuchar, there is no doubt we’re getting this across the finish line.”

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New Census Data Reveals Devastating Impact of the Medicaid Coverage Gap

Data Released Today Only Underscores the Need for Congress to Close the Coverage Gap in Upcoming Budget Legislation

Washington, DC– Today, newly-released Census data revealed that nearly 4 in 10 (38%) nonelderly adults in states that have not expanded Medicaid are uninsured. This represents the Medicaid coverage gap, which consists of millions of people who are unable to access Medicaid coverage because of Republican leaders’ refusal to adopt Medicaid expansion. The new data comes as President Biden and Democrats in Congress are working to include a federal solution to close the Medicaid coverage gap as part of the upcoming budget reconciliation package. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“If lawmakers need another reason to close the Medicaid coverage gap, look no further than today’s Census data. As it stands, millions of people in states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia are blocked from accessing affordable coverage because of Republican lawmakers’ refusal to do the right thing. Medicaid expansion improves care, strengthens economies, and saves lives. Closing the coverage gap is the single most important thing Congress can do to address the inequities laid bare by the pandemic. The millions of people in the coverage gap cannot wait; the time to act is now.” 

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Senator Klobuchar to Headline Virtual Rally for Standing Up to Big Pharma and Giving Medicare the Power to Negotiate for Lower Drug Prices 

***VIRTUAL RALLY ON SEPTEMBER 14 AT 4:00 PM ET // 3:00 PM CT***

Senator Klobuchar to Headline Virtual Rally for Standing Up to Big Pharma and Giving Medicare the Power to Negotiate for Lower Drug Prices 

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Will Join Health Care Storytellers and Advocates from Across the Country To Show the Growing Momentum for Keeping Medicare Negotiation in Upcoming Budget Legislation

Washington, DC — On Tuesday, September 14 at 4:00 PM ET // 3:00 PM CT Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will headline a virtual rally with Protect Our Care to illustrate the growing momentum for giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices. Health care advocates from across the country will share their personal stories and demonstrate the dire need for lawmakers to take action to lower drug prices. Voters across the political spectrum agree Medicare negotiation is a critical step to lower drug costs and improve care for all Americans. 

The event comes as Congress is closing in on a budget agreement that will transform the lives of American families nationwide. President Biden and Democrats are leading the charge to include Medicare negotiation and other key health care priorities in the Build Back Better package, but the fight is not over: Big Pharma is ramping up its lobbying and scare tactics to protect its profits and lie to the American people. This rally will make clear that Democrats will not cower to the demands of drug companies and will deliver on their promises to the American people. 

Virtual Rally:

WHO:
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Iesha Meza, patient storyteller from Arizona
Travis Paulson, patient storyteller from Eleveth, Minnesota
Mindy Salango, Type 1 diabetic and patient storyteller from Morgantown, West Virginia
Nedra Fortson, Executive Director of Samaritan Clinic and nurse practitioner from Georgia
Jay Gupta, Director of Pharmacy at Harbor Care in New Hampshire
Dustin Klein, patient storyteller from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHAT: Virtual Rally for Giving Medicare the Power to Negotiate for Lower Drug Prices 

WHERE: Watch the Event Here

WHEN: Tuesday, September 14 at 4:00 PM ET // 3:00 PM CT

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Democrats Vote to Expand Medicare Benefits While Republicans Turn Their Backs on Seniors

Washington, D.C. — Today, during the markup of the Build Back Better Act, Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee approved a measure to expand Medicare benefits to include vision, hearing, and dental by a 24-19 vote. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse released the following statement.

“When millions of Americans benefit from these improvements to Medicare, they can thank Democrats. Expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, hearing, and dental has been a key priority of President Biden and Democrats in Congress, and they should be applauded for this bold legislation that is the largest expansion of Medicare in decades. Seniors will remember that every Republican on the committee stood in the way of these provisions. Once again, Republicans have shown their true colors by showing no interest in improving health care for the American people – even seniors, a group they proclaim to champion.

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