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ACA At 11: Lower Drug Costs

Protect Our Care Is Marking the 11th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act With 11 Days Celebrating the Success of the Health Care Law

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. In addition to expanding coverage to more than 20 million Americans, the ACA improved health care affordability, particularly for patients purchasing prescription drugs. Between 2010 and 2018, the share of non-elderly adults with problems filling a prescription fell by 27 percent, while those with a problem paying a medical bill fell by 17 percent, the share who skipped a test or treatment fell by 24 percent, and the share who didn’t visit a provider when needing care fell by 19 percent.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the health care law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is especially important as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and millions have lost their jobs and their health insurance.

The ACA Included Key Provisions To Help Reduce Drug Prices: 

  • GAINED: Requirements that insurance companies cover prescription drugs. 
  • GAINED: Nearly 12 million seniors pay less for prescription drugs. 
  • GAINED: More than 60 million people gained access to birth control with no out-of-pocket fees. 
  • GAINED: Rules that increase competition in the prescription drug market and help Americans access cheaper drugs. 
  • GAINED: Consumer protections that prohibit drug companies from paying off doctors behind closed doors to influence the drugs they prescribe to patients.

Guaranteed Coverage Of Prescription Drugs. Because of the ACA, insurers have to cover what are known as “essential health benefits,” such as maternity care, prescription drugs, and mental health treatment. 

Lower Drug Costs For Seniors. Because of the ACA, the Medicare prescription drug donut hole is closed. From 2010 to 2016, “More than 11.8 million Medicare beneficiaries have received discounts over $26.8 billion on prescription drugs – an average of $2,272 per beneficiary,” according to a January 2017 Centers on Medicare and Medicaid Services report.

More Than 60 Million Gained Access To Birth Control With No Out-Of-Pocket Fees. The ACA guarantees that private health plans cover 18 methods of contraception and make them available to 62.4 million patients with no out-of-pocket costs. More than 99 percent of sexually-active women have used contraceptives at some point in their lifetimes, and approximately 60 percent of women of reproductive age currently use at least one birth control method. In addition to increasing access to this essential treatment, this ACA provision has saved money for women and their families: women saved $1.4 billion on birth control pills alone in 2013.

Patients Have Access To Cheaper Drugs. The ACA’s Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act paved the way for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve biosimilars, cheaper alternatives to expensive biologics. This provision is projected to save $54 billion between 2017 and 2026.

Drug Companies Are Barred From Paying Doctors Behind Closed Doors (To Prescribe Drugs You Don’t Necessarily Need). Thanks to the ACA’s Physician Payments Sunshine Act, Big Pharma can no longer make payments and offer gifts to doctors behind closed doors. When these payments are made with no transparency, they can create conflicts of interest and blur the line between objective and promotional research. 

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ACA at 11: President Barack Obama to Join Protect Our Care, Health Care Storytellers to Reflect on the Success of the Affordable Care Act 

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021 AT 1:15 PM ET ***

ACA at 11: President Barack Obama to Join Protect Our Care, Health Care Storytellers to Reflect on the Success of the Affordable Care Act 

ACA Provided Critical Health Care Protections, Was Invaluable Lifeline for Americans During the Pandemic

Washington, DC — Former President Barack Obama will join Protect Our Care and health care advocates for an online event to discuss how the Affordable Care Act has benefitted millions of Americans since its passage 11 years ago and the work still needed to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care. The former president will deliver the message that the ACA — one of the most significant legislative achievements of his presidency — is here to stay and stronger than ever with the improvements to the law included in the American Rescue Plan, which expand coverage and lower costs.

WHO:
Former President Barack Obama
Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care
Laura Packard, Colorado, stage four cancer survivor and health care advocate
Elena Hung, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Little Lobbyists
Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, Committee to Protect Medicare Board Member
Andres Ramirez, Protect Our Care Nevada State Lead
Adam Hoyer, National Organizing Director of Protect Our Care          

WHAT: Online Event with Barack Obama, Health Care Storytellers to Reflect on 11th Anniversary of the ACA

WHERE: Protect Our Care Facebook Live 

WHEN: Monday, March 22 at 1:15 PM ET

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Senate Confirms Health Care Champion Xavier Becerra As Health and Human Services Secretary in Bipartisan Vote

Washington, DC — The Senate just voted to confirm President Biden’s historic pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra. Becerra is a highly-qualified nominee with decades of health care experience and a strong advocate of the Affordable Care Act. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:

“Facing a historic pandemic, Xavier Becerra is the right person at the right time for this job. He is ready to hit the ground running and lead Americans out of this pandemic. In Congress, Becerra worked to expand access and lower costs for health care, and as attorney general, he defended our health care against attacks. Now, as HHS secretary, he’ll do both. Vast majorities of voters in both parties support this administration’s health care agenda, and Republicans who made this a partisan vote are repeating the mistakes that cost them the House, the Senate, and the White House.” 

“The son of working class parents living in a one room apartment, Secretary Becerra knows what Americans who work for a living are going through. He’s dedicated his career to fighting to expand access to health care, protecting underserved communities, and taking on powerful special interests to lower costs. His historic confirmation comes at a time when Americans are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted communities of color. Secretary Becerra was instrumental in the passage of the Affordable Care Act when he was a member of Congress and worked to defend the health care law from baseless Republican attacks as California’s attorney general. As HHS secretary, he will partner with President Biden to get the pandemic under control and build on the success of the ACA by expanding coverage and lowering health care costs.”

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ACA At 11: Medicaid Expansion

Protect Our Care Is Marking the 11th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act With 11 Days Celebrating the Success of the Health Care Law

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The ACA opened the doors for states to expand Medicaid, and the results are piling in: Medicaid expansion works. In addition to covering 15 million people, expansion has resulted in healthier people, communities and economies. 

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. In addition to providing affordable coverage options for millions of uninsured Americans through the ACA, the American Rescue Plan provides robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion.

Medicaid expansion has served as a critical safety net as millions have lost jobs and their employer-based health insurance. Between February and November 2020, states that expanded their programs saw a 22 percent increase in Medicaid enrollment. An estimated four million uninsured adults — including 640,000 frontline workers, 500,000 people with disabilities, and 926,000 older adults aged 50 to 64 — could gain coverage if the remaining holdout states adopted expansion. Importantly, people of color make up nearly 60 percent of this group. 

The Results Are In: Medicaid Expansion Works

Research confirms that Medicaid expansion increases access to care, improves financial security, and leads to better health outcomes. Medicaid expansion has also played a vital role in reducing racial disparities in health care access.

Medicaid Expansion Saves Lives. 

  • Reduced mortality in adults by nearly 4 percent. A study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that Medicaid expansion reduced mortality in people aged 20 to 64 by 3.6 percent.
  • Saved the lives of at least 19,200 older adults. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Medicaid expansion saved the lives of 19,200 adults aged 55 to 64 between 2014 and 2017. At the same time,15,600 older adults died prematurely as a result of their states’ decision not to expand the program. 
  • Reduced cancer and heart-related deaths. While scientific advancements have led to improved prognosis for many diseases, Medicaid expansion increased access to care and, subsequently, improved disease outcomes. Between 1999 and 2017, cancer deaths dropped more in states that expanded Medicaid coverage under the ACA than in states that rejected expansion. Additionally, research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions found that Medicaid expansion was tied to fewer heart-related deaths. 
  • Reduced infant & maternal mortality. Multiple studies draw the connection between Medicaid expansion and reduced infant and maternal mortality rates. One study published in the American Journal of Public Health found the gains made in reducing infant mortality was more than 50 percent greater in states that expanded Medicaid, compared to those that did not. 

Medicaid Expansion Leads To Better Health Outcomes.

  • Improved health of enrollees. A survey of more than 3,000 Michigan Medicaid expansion enrollees found that the percentage of those reporting poor health days decreased over time, with the biggest decreases among Black and low-income patients. Similar research showed that patients in expansion states were less likely to report declining physical and mental health. Additionally, one study shows that tobacco users were more likely to quit in Medicaid expansion states.
  • Improved infant & maternal health. The uninsured rate for women of childbearing age in non-expansion states is nearly double than in states that expanded their programs (16 vs. 9 percent). Research from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families found that Medicaid expansion has helped fill gaps in maternal health coverage, leading to healthier mothers and babies. It also helps new mothers maintain access to coverage and important postpartum care after giving birth. 

Medicaid Expansion Helps People Access Treatment & Preventive Care. 

  • Increased access to preventative care, cancer screenings and disease-specific treatment. Medicaid expansion has helped patients access preventative care, including colon cancer screenings. Expansion also increased patient access to kidney transplants and made diabetes medication more affordable for low-income patients. The program was also tied to earlier diagnosis of colorectal cancer and reducing diabetes-related amputations.
  • Improved access to primary care & family planning. Two studies from Michigan showed that Medicaid expansion doubled low-income patients’ access to primary care, and that enrollees experienced improved access to birth control and family planning. 
  • Increased access to substance abuse treatment. Study after study has shown that Medicaid expansion has increased access to addiction treatment and mental health services. And new research shows that as many as 8,132 people were saved from fatal opioid overdoses as a direct result of Medicaid expansion.
  • Increased coverage for children. When parents have health insurance, their children are more likely to be insured. A study in Health Affairs found that 710,000 children gained public coverage as a result of their parents enrolling in Medicaid between 2013 and 2015. 

Medicaid Expansion Reduces Racial Disparities In Health Care. 

  • Reduced racial disparities in health insurance coverage and access to care. The ACA led to historic reductions in racial disparities in access to health care, but racial gaps in insurance coverage narrowed the most in states that adopted Medicaid expansion. Per the Commonwealth Fund: “Coverage disparities in expansion states narrowed the most over the period…The black–white coverage gap in those states dropped from 8.4 percentage points to 3.7 points, while the difference between Hispanic and white uninsured rates fell from 23.2 points to 12.7 points.” 
  • Reduced disparities in infant and maternal health. One study found that reductions in maternal mortality in expansion states were concentrated among Black mothers, “suggesting that expansion could be contributing to decreasing racial disparities in maternal mortality.” Expansion has also been tied to improving health outcomes for black babies, significantly reducing racial disparities in low birth weight and premature birth. 
  • Better access to care. Medicaid expansion reduced racial disparities in cancer care and resulted in earlier diagnosis and treatment for Black patients. According to the Center for American Progress, Black women were more likely to receive care because of the ACA.

Medicaid Expansion Improves Financial Security. 

  • Reduced income inequality. A January 2021 study from Health Affairs found that the ACA helped reduce income inequality across the board, but much more dramatically in Medicaid expansion states. The bottom 10th percentile of earners In Medicaid expansion states saw a 22.4 percent boost in their income, compared to 11.4 percent in non-expansion states. A study in Health Affairs found that Medicaid Expansion also caused a “significant” reduction in poverty. 
  • Reduced medical debt. The chance of accruing medical debt is 20 percent lower in states that have expanded Medicaid. Additionally, a 2018 National Bureau of Economic Research analysis found that Medicaid expansion led to a nearly $6 billion decline in unpaid medical bills and to higher credit scores. 
  • Lowered uncompensated care costs. Medicaid expansion has saved hospitals an average of $6.4 million In uncompensated care costs. In 2017, uncompensated care costs comprised 6 percent of total expenses for hospitals in states that rejected Medicaid expansion—double the amount for hospitals located in expansion states. Additional research shows that expansion states saw a reduction in preventable hospitalizations and lower hospital costs. 
  • Increased hospital profits. More than 120 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. The vast majority closed in states that had not expanded Medicaid at the time of the hospital closure. Research confirms that expansion increased rural and safety-net hospital profit margins. 
  • Boosted employment. Reports from Ohio and Michigan found that Medicaid expansion helped enrollees hold down jobs and look for work. Relatedly, a study from the University of Kansas found that people with disabilities are much more likely to be employed in states that have expanded Medicaid coverage. Additionally, the number of people who report not working because of a disability declined in expansion states.  
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ACA At 11: Affordable Health Care For Older Adults

Protect Our Care Is Marking the 11th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act With 11 Days Celebrating the Success of the Health Care Law

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of seniors gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures critical protections for seniors and older adults nationwide. Between lowering prescription drug costs and limiting the amount insurers can charge, the ACA expanded access to affordable health care for individuals aged 50 and older. According to AARP, before ACA’s protections, discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions, age rating, and annual and lifetime caps made accessing health care out of reach for older adults.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Older adults could save thousands on health care thanks to the American Rescue Plan; for example, the average 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 will save $1,389 in monthly premiums on marketplace coverage. Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is essential as older adults have suffered the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Thanks To The ACA: 

  • People Over The Age Of 50 Save Thousands On Premiums. The Affordable Care Act limited the amount older people could be charged to three times more than younger people. If insurers were to charge five times more, as was proposed in the Republican repeal bills, that would add an average “age tax” of $4,124 for a 60-year-old in the individual market, according to AARP.
  • Seniors Are Guaranteed Free Preventive Services And Annual Check-Ups. 60 million people with Medicare have access to free preventive services because of the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, Medicare beneficiaries likely see lower premiums thanks to the cost-saving measures implemented under the ACA.
  • 8.9 million Medicare Beneficiaries Are Benefiting From Higher Quality, More Coordinated Care. Provisions in the ACA encouraged groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers to come together to provide coordinated high-quality care to the Medicare patients they serve. 
  • 32 Million Older Adults With Pre-Existing Conditions Gained Protections. Thanks to the ACA, people with pre-existing conditions like asthma and diabetes cannot be charged more or denied coverage by their insurers. Nationwide, 135 million Americans have a pre-existing condition, including 32 million people aged 55-64. And now, millions of Americans who have contracted the coronavirus are also protected from discrimination by their insurance companies. 

A Closer Look At How The Affordable Care Act Is Working For Seniors Across The Country:

Seniors Saved Thousands On Prescription Drug Costs Thanks To The ACA. From 2010 to 2016, “More than 11.8 million Medicare beneficiaries have received discounts over $26.8 billion on prescription drugs – an average of $2,272 per beneficiary,” according to a January 2017 Centers on Medicare and Medicaid Services report.

The ACA’s Medicaid Expansion Saved The Lives Of At Least 19,200 Older Adults. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Medicaid expansion saved the lives of 19,200 older adults aged 55 to 64 between 2014 and 2017. At the same time,15,600 older adults died prematurely as a result of their states’ decision not to expand the program. 

 

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U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Ron Wyden, U.S. Representative Frank Pallone Discuss the American Rescue Plan’s Expansion of the ACA, Health Care Priorities

Listen to the Call Audio Here

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee joined Protect Our Care today to discuss the impacts of the American Rescue Plan and its expansion of the Affordable Care Act. The American Rescue Plan contains the most significant health care reform since the law was passed 11 years ago. The chairs also discussed the need for Congress to take further action to lower costs, expand coverage, address inequities in care, and tackle the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. 

“This pandemic is the biggest health care crisis in a century, which is why the American Rescue Plan included the biggest expansion of health care since the Affordable Care Act. There is still plenty of work ahead to fully end this pandemic, to rebuild our nation stronger and fairer, and to finally ensure health care in this country is truly a right and not a privilege. But it’s worth recognizing the work we just did—the American Rescue Plan we just passed—will make a real difference in millions of lives. After four years of fighting off health care attacks, I’m glad to say we are finally building on the progress of the past with bold steps to expand quality, affordable health coverage, and we are not done yet,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate HELP Committee.

“I am thrilled to continue working with Protect Our Care on legislation that sends help to Americans instead of fighting Republicans who tried to take that help away. The American Rescue Plan is the boldest economic relief package in memory: it sends relief payments to families in Oregon and nationwide, cuts child poverty in half, and boosts the take home pay of millions of essential workers like grocery store clerks and home health aides. Moving forward, I am committed to bold action on prescription drugs to help Americans who are getting clobbered at the pharmacy counter. And Congress must build on the work to expand health care coverage and improve affordability that was passed as a part of the American Rescue Plan,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. 

“When President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law last week it was the largest expansion of health care coverage since the passage of the Affordable Care Act. It is a relief to finally see legislation being enacted that expands health care and lowers costs for families after a decade of constant Republican obstruction and sabotage. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on this early momentum in the months to come as we look to continue to strengthen the Affordable Care Act,” said U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“The American Rescue Plan is the boldest expansion of health care in a decade and coincides with the anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Over the last year, the ACA has served as a lifeline to Americans battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s never been a more urgent time to build on the law’s success. The American Rescue Plan is a huge step forward in expanding coverage and lowering health care costs, but there is still more work to be done to make these historic changes permanent, be sure that states expand Medicaid, and tackle skyrocketing prescription drug prices,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. 

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TODAY: U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Ron Wyden, U.S. Representative Frank Pallone Discuss the American Rescue Plan’s Expansion of the ACA

Chairs of Committees with Jurisdiction Over Health Care Will Discuss How the ACA Served as a Lifeline During the Pandemic and Look Forward to Next Steps to Lower Costs, Expand Coverage, and Address Inequities

Washington, DC – On Tuesday, March 16 at 3:00 PM ET, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, will join Protect Our Care to discuss the impacts of the American Rescue Plan and its expansion of the Affordable Care Act, the most significant health care reform since the law was passed 11 years ago. The chairs will also discuss the need for Congress to take further action to lower costs, expand coverage, address inequities in care, and tackle the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. 

This event kicks off Protect Our Care’s week of action ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act’s passage. Protect Our Care will be holding events in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to reflect on the accomplishments of the ACA, what has been gained with the passage of the American Rescue Plan, and what more needs to be done. 

PRESS CALL

WHO:
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee
U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee
Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care           

WHAT: Press Call with U.S. Senators Patty Murray, Ron Wyden, and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., to Discuss Health Care Provisions in American Rescue Plan As ACA Approaches 11 Year Anniversary

WHERE: Dial In: 877-229-8493, PIN: 118261

WHEN: Tuesday, March 16 at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT

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11 Days Celebrating the ACA

Protect Our Care Is Marking the 11th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act With 11 Days Celebrating the Success of the Health Care Law

Day Ten: Marketplace Signups & Financial Assistance

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land, and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Among the many benefits of the health care law, the ACA introduced financial assistance to help people purchase comprehensive coverage on the individual marketplaces. The ACA marketplaces, along with the expansion of Medicaid, helped more than 20 million Americans gain coverage.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. The American Rescue Plan lowers premiums for people purchasing coverage through the marketplaces and expands access to financial assistance for more middle-class families.

Day Nine: Health Care For LGBTQ Americans

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land, and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The LGBTQ community has unique health care needs and has historically experienced high rates of uninsurance and barriers to coverage and care, such as discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. The ACA’s consumer protections, along with the expansion of Medicaid and creation of financial assistance to help people purchase marketplace coverage, made affordable health care a reality for many LGBTQ Americans.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Making coverage more affordable and accessible is especially important for LGBTQ people, who are significantly more likely than non-LGBTQ people to live in poverty and to face barriers to accessing care. The health care measures in the American Rescue Plan will have profound impacts on disparities in health care access and outcomes, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic has hit LGTBQ Americans much harder than others.

Day Eight: Coverage For Children & Young Adults

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of young Americans gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Almost three million children nationwide gained coverage thanks to the ACA. Millions of young adults also experienced coverage gains and improved access to health care as a result of the health care law.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Health care for children and young adults is especially important as the nation continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. As millions of families have lost their health care as a result of pandemic-related job losses, the ACA and Medicaid expansion have given them a place to turn to for comprehensive, affordable coverage.

Day Seven: Reduced Disparities In Health Care

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The ACA helped reduce longstanding racial disparities in coverage rates, improving health care access for communities of color across the board. In addition to increasing coverage and improving financial security, the law has helped narrow racial disparities in maternal health, cancer care, and more.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. The health care measures in the American Rescue Plan will have profound impacts in racial disparities in health care access and outcomes, particularly as COVID-19 has hit communities of color much harder than others. Further expansion of the health care law will protect individuals who get sick and help communities slow the spread of the virus by helping detecting cases sooner and getting more people vaccinated. Protect Our Care recently released a report detailing how the American Rescue Plan works to reduce racial disparities in health care.

Day Six: Health Care For People With Disabilities

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. By expanding Medicaid and introducing key protections, the ACA has improved coverage and health care access for the 61 million people with disabilities across the country.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the health care law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in more than a decade. Solidifying and expanding the ACA is especially important as millions of Americans have contracted the COVID-19, with some “long haulers” facing the possibility of lifelong disabilities. Without the ACA’s protections, survivors of COVID-19 would likely be deemed as having a pre-existing condition and be at the mercy of their insurance companies who could refuse to pay for needed care.

Day Five: ACA At 11: Lower Drug Costs

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. In addition to expanding coverage to more than 20 million Americans, the ACA improved health care affordability, particularly for patients purchasing prescription drugs. Between 2010 and 2018, the share of non-elderly adults with problems filling a prescription fell by 27 percent, while those with a problem paying a medical bill fell by 17 percent, the share who skipped a test or treatment fell by 24 percent, and the share who didn’t visit a provider when needing care fell by 19 percent.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the health care law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is especially important as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and millions have lost their jobs and their health insurance.

Day Four: Protections For People With Pre-Existing Conditions

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Because of the ACA, insurers in the individual market can no longer drop or deny coverage, or charge people more because of a pre-existing condition. More than 135 million Americans have a pre-existing health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or cancer. 

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Solidifying and expanding the ACA is especially important as millions of Americans have contracted the COVID-19; without the health law’s protections, survivors of COVID-19 would likely be deemed as having a pre-existing condition and be at the mercy of their insurance companies who could refuse to pay for needed care. 

At the same time, millions have lost their jobs and their employer-sponsored coverage during the pandemic, and experts say an overwhelming majority have been able to get covered under the ACA — through the marketplaces or through Medicaid expansion. Every single one of these individuals now relies on the ACA’s protections for pre-existing conditions. 

Day Three: Medicaid Expansion

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The ACA opened the doors for states to expand Medicaid, and the results are piling in: Medicaid expansion works. In addition to covering 15 million people, expansion has resulted in healthier people, communities and economies.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. In addition to providing affordable coverage options for millions of uninsured Americans through the ACA, the American Rescue Plan provides robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion.

Medicaid expansion has served as a critical safety net as millions have lost jobs and their employer-based health insurance. Between February and November 2020, states that expanded their programs saw a 22 percent increase in Medicaid enrollment. An estimated four million uninsured adults — including 640,000 frontline workers, 500,000 people with disabilities, and 926,000 older adults aged 50 to 64 — could gain coverage if the remaining holdout states adopted expansion. Importantly, people of color make up nearly 60 percent of this group.

Day Two: Affordable Care for Older Adults

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of women gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures critical protections for seniors and older adults nationwide. Between lowering prescription drug costs and limiting the amount insurers can charge, the ACA expanded access to affordable health care for individuals aged 50 and older. According to AARP, before ACA’s protections, discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions, age rating, and annual and lifetime caps made accessing health care out of reach for older adults.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Older adults could save thousands on health care thanks to the American Rescue Plan; for example, the average 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 will save $1,389 in monthly premiums on marketplace coverage. Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is essential as older adults have suffered the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Day One: Women’s Coverage

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of women gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Among the many benefits of the ACA, the health care law ensures that women cannot be charged more than men for the same coverage. Additionally, 68 million women with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and asthma are protected from discrimination, and they are no longer subject to annual or lifetime limits. The ACA also guarantees free preventive care, such as mammograms, Pap smears, and other important screenings, in addition to providing birth control with no out-of-pocket fees. These benefits, along with creation of the ACA Marketplace and expansion of Medicaid, have improved the health of women across the country.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Making coverage more affordable and accessible is essential as millions of women have lost their jobs and their health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protect Our Care recently released a report detailing the impact of the American Rescue Plan on women’s lives.

protectourcare
In News

NEW ADS: Protect Our Care Launches Digital Ad Campaign on American Rescue Plan Votes

Campaign Includes 30 Ads in 19 States Praising Democrats and Holding Republicans Accountable

WATCH HERE: Democrats Voted for The American Rescue Plan

WATCH HERE: Republicans Voted Against The American Rescue Plan

Washington, DC — Protect Our Care launched a new digital ad campaign today to hold legislators accountable for their historic votes on the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan works to get the virus under control and restore our economy by providing $1,400 checks and other financial relief for children and families, getting vaccines in the arms of Americans and reducing health care costs. 

According to a recent report from the Associated Press, under this plan “Several million people stand to save hundreds of dollars in health insurance costs, or more.” Kaiser Health News found that this plan has “some of the most significant changes to insurance affordability in more than a decade.”

The ads will run in-district so constituents know where their elected officials stand on this monumental health care vote. 

Ads about support of the American Rescue Plan will be running in: U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Carolyn Bordeaux (D-GA-07), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08), Andy Kim (D-NJ-03), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08), Conor Lamb (D-PA-17), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Colin Allred (D-TX-32), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). 

Ads about opposition to the American Rescue Plan will be running in: U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) and U.S. Representatives David Valadao (R-CA-21), Mike Garcia (R-CA-25), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), John Katko (R-NY-24), Steve Chabot (R-OH-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24). 

“Facing this pandemic, no one who voted against the American Rescue Plan can hide from their vote, and no one who voted for it should be shy about screaming it from the rooftops. The American Rescue Plan is absolutely critical in pulling our country out of this pandemic and getting it under control. Democrats are delivering lower health care costs, expanding coverage and addressing racial disparities so people can get the health care they need to defeat this pandemic,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “Protect Our Care is making sure people know which of their elected officials voted for shots in arms, cash in the pockets of Americans, and reducing health care costs — and which ones voted to prolong the pandemic and leave their constituents without the relief they need.”

Example (AZ) Script for Positive Accountability Ad (:30): 

Americans are fighting every day against this pandemic. 

Small businesses. Jobs. Time with family. Lives. All lost. 

Thankfully, your Senator Mark Kelly just voted for the American Rescue Plan.

For 1,400 dollars in relief for families.

For a surge in distributing the vaccine.

For expanding health care and lowering costs so less people get sick.

Americans want to get control of this virus. 

He voted to have our back. 

Call Senator Kelly: Tell him to keep fighting for our families.

Example (WI) Script for Negative Accountability Ad (:30): 

Americans are fighting every day against this pandemic. 

Small businesses. Jobs. Time with family. Lives. All lost. 

But Senator Ron Johnson just voted against the American Rescue Plan.

Said no to 1,400 dollars in direct relief for families.

Said no to a surge in vaccine distribution.

Said no to lowering health insurance premiums and expanding care. 

Americans want to get control of this virus. 

Senator Johnson voted to prolong it. 

Call and tell him to STOP playing politics with our lives.

protectourcare
In News

HELP IS ON THE WAY: President Biden Signs Historic American Rescue Plan Into Law

President Biden, Democrats Deliver Essential Pandemic Relief, Critical Health Care Expansion

Washington, DC — President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law today, delivering a lifeline to Americans who have been battling the COVID-19 pandemic for a year. The American Rescue Plan includes desperately needed pandemic relief and historic health care provisions to lower costs, expand coverage, and address racial inequities in care. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:

“The American Rescue Plan is a historic victory for Americans who have been struggling through this pandemic for the last year. Thanks to President Biden, real relief is on the way. Americans will feel the impact of this legislation in their lives, and it will help pull us out of this pandemic. The American Rescue Plan is the boldest expansion of health care in a decade. It builds on the Affordable Care Act by expanding coverage, lowering heath care costs, and addressing racial disparities. Despite overwhelming support in both red and blue states, not a single Republican voted for the American Rescue Plan. Republicans voted against shots in arms, cash in families’ pockets, and reopening schools. President Biden and Democrats in Congress are the ones who put the health and safety of Americans first and delivered on their promises. Voters won’t forget who helped pull them out of this pandemic.”

BACKGROUND:

The American Rescue Plan Will Expand Coverage, Dramatically Reduce Health Care Costs For Americans

As part of the American Rescue Plan, Democrats included major provisions to lower health care costs and expand coverage, building on the strong foundation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This legislation will lower premiums for people purchasing coverage through the ACA marketplaces and expand access to financial assistance for more middle-class families. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan includes robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion. 

Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is especially important as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and millions have lost their jobs and their health insurance. Measures to increase affordability also reduce racial disparities in health care access. Despite significant progress after the implementation of the ACA, Black and Hispanic adults are more likely than white adults to have low incomes and face financial barriers to receiving care.

Lower Costs: 

Increasing financial assistance on the ACA marketplaces means more people will be able to get the affordable coverage they need during the pandemic. Similar legislation previously passed by the House would lower costs for more than 10 million Americans and provide affordable options for uninsured Americans at a time when access to health care is paramount. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 1.3 million uninsured people will gain coverage as a result of these provisions alone. 

  • Guarantee coverage that costs less than 8.5 percent of income. This legislation lowers the cost of premiums for Americans purchasing coverage through the ACA marketplaces, ensuring enrollees have the option to purchase health care for less than 8.5 percent of their income for the next two years. 
  • Make coverage more affordable by temporarily expanding the eligibility for premium tax credits above 400 percent of the federal poverty level — roughly $51,000 for a single person or $105,000 for a family of four. Under current law, families earning just above 400 percent of the federal poverty level spend an average of 15 percent of their incomes on health insurance. According to estimates from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: 
    • The average 45-year-old earning $60,000 will save $86 in monthly premiums. 
    • A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 will save $1,389 in monthly premiums. 
    • A family of four with a household income of $120,000 will save $595 in monthly premiums. 
  • Improve affordability for low- and middle-income Americans by increasing the size of the tax credits for all income brackets for the next two years. This means a typical family of four with a household income of $75,000 will save $248 on monthly premiums, while a single adult earning $30,000 will save $110 per month. 
  • Eliminate premiums in the exchanges for people earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level (roughly $19,000 for a single person and $39,000 for a family of four) and for those receiving unemployment insurance in 2021. 

Expanded Coverage:

In addition to providing affordable coverage options for millions of uninsured Americans through the ACA, the American Rescue Plan provides robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion. Research confirms that Medicaid expansion increases access to care, improves financial security, and leads to better health outcomes. Medicaid expansion has played a vital role in reducing racial disparities in health care access and has served as a critical safety net during the pandemic. 

An estimated four million uninsured adults — including 640,000 frontline workers— could gain coverage if the remaining holdout states adopted expansion. Importantly, people of color make up nearly 60 percent of this group. 

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