News

Washington, DC — During today’s Senate Finance Committee markup of its drug pricing package, every Republican on the Committee voted against the amendment introduced by Senate Democrats to require Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices. In response, Protect Our Care chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“Senate Republicans on the Finance Committee refused today to take meaningful action to lower the cost of prescription drugs and voted down a Democratic amendment allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices. Shamefully, every single one of them refused to stand up to the drug lobby. If Republicans were actually serious about reducing the cost of prescription drugs, they would have supported this amendment. Nearly nine out of ten Americans support requiring Medicare to negotiate for lower drug costs, yet instead of doing what the American people have made clear they want, Republicans shot down the single most effective measure to lower drug prices.”

Washington, DC — Today, the Senate Finance Committee introduced a package that aims to address the cost of prescription drugs, yet does not include negotiating power for Medicare. Protect Our Care chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement in response:

“The Senate Finance Committee’s package to address the rising cost of prescription drugs fails to include the one policy that would have the biggest impact: requiring Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs for all consumers – a policy favored by nearly nine in ten Americans and 86 percent of Iowans in Chairman Grassley’s own backyard.”  

BACKGROUND:

PPP Poll: In advance of the Senate Finance Committee considering legislation on prescription drugs, a new Public Policy Polling survey in Iowa—home state of Chairman Chuck Grassley— finds that an overwhelming majority (86%) of Iowa voters support legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies to get lower prices for prescription drugs for consumers, with only 5% in opposition.

• This includes 83% of Iowa Republicans and 81% of Iowans who voted for President Trump in 2016, with only 9% and 8% respectively opposing such legislation. 
• A further 75% of Iowans disagree with Senator Grassley’s opposition to this legislation, with only 11% of Iowa voters agreeing with him. A majority of Republicans (62-16) and President Trump’s 2016 supporters (62-17) also disagree with Senator Grassley’s opposition to Medicare drug negotiations.

Washington, DC — President Trump heads to Greenville, North Carolina for a rally today, just one week after his lawyers were in court arguing in favor of the destruction of American health care in Texas v. United States. The Trump-Texas lawsuit put over 500,000 North Carolinians at risk of losing coverage and would strip protections from nearly four million North Carolinians with a pre-existing condition. Ahead of Trump’s rally, Protect Our Care executive director Brad Woodhouse released the following statement:

“President Trump needs to explain to every North Carolina family why he went to court last week to overturn America’s health care laws, strike down protections for people with pre-existing conditions and strip coverage from millions. Trump’s lawsuit would raise health care premiums for families who can’t afford it and raise prescription drug costs for North Carolinians who have to choose between pills and rent, all with the support of Senator Tillis. Voters in North Carolina and across the country know that scoring cheap political points at a rally does not make up for trying to rip their health care away.”

BACKGROUND:

If Trump Gets His Way, 503,000 North Carolinians Would Lose Their Coverage

• 503,000 North Carolinians could lose coverage. According to the Urban Institute, 503,000 North Carolinians would lose coverage by repealing the Affordable Care Act, leading to a 43 percent increase in the uninsured rate.
• 70,000 North Carolina young adults with their parents’ coverage could lose care. Because of the Affordable Care Act, millions of young adults are able to stay on their parents’ care until age 26.
• North Carolinians would lose important federal health care funding — an estimated reduction of $4.6 billion in the first year. The Urban Institute estimates that a full repeal of the ACA would reduce federal spending on North Carolinians’ Medicaid/CHIP care and Marketplace subsidies by $4.6 billion, or 30.3 percent in the first year.

If Trump Gets His Way, Insurance Companies Would Be Put Back In Charge, Ending Protections For The 130 Million People Nationwide With A Pre-Existing Condition

According to a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress, roughly half of nonelderly Americans, or as many as 130 million people, have a pre-existing condition. This includes:

• • 44 million people who have high blood pressure
  • 45 million people who have behavioral health disorders
  • 44 million people who have high cholesterol
  • 34 million people who have asthma and chronic lung disease
  • 34 million people who have osteoarthritis and other joint disorders
•  3,929,400 North Carolinians have a pre-existing condition, including 544,200 North Carolina children, 2,122,000 North Carolina women, and 803,300 North Carolinians between ages 55 and 64. 

If Trump Gets His Way, Insurance Companies Would Have The Power To Deny, Drop Coverage, And Charge More Because Of A Pre-Existing Condition

Before the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies routinely denied people coverage because of a pre-existing condition or canceled coverage when a person got sick. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, insurance companies will be able to do this again.

• A 2010 congressional report found that the top four health insurance companies denied coverage to one in seven consumers on the individual market over a three year period.
• A 2009 congressional report found that the largest insurance companies had retroactively canceled coverage for 20,000 people over the previous five year period.
• An analysis by Avalere finds that “102 million individuals, not enrolled in major public programs like Medicaid or Medicare, have a pre-existing medical condition and could therefore face higher premiums or significant out-of-pocket costs” if the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful.

If Trump Gets His Way, Insurance Companies Would Have The Power To Charge You More, While Their Profits Soar

• 3,966,308 North Carolinians Could Once Again Have To Pay For Preventive Care. Because of the ACA, health plans must cover preventive services — like flu shots, cancer screenings, contraception, and mammograms – at no cost to consumers. This includes nearly 3,966,308 North Carolinians, most of whom have employer coverage.
• Insurance Companies Could Charge Premium Surcharges in the Six Figures. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, insurance companies would be able to charge people more because of a pre-existing condition. The health repeal bill the House passed in 2017 had a similar provision, and an analysis by the Center for American Progress found that insurers could charge up to $4,270 more for asthma, $17,060 more for pregnancy, $26,180 more for rheumatoid arthritis and $140,510 more for metastatic cancer.
• Women Could Be Charged More Than Men for the Same Coverage. Prior to the ACA, women were often charged premiums on the nongroup market of up to 50 percent higher than they charged men for the same coverage. 
• People Over the Age of 50 Could Face a $4,000 “Age Tax,” Including $5,720 in North Carolina. Because Judge O’Connor sided with Republican lawmakers, insurance companies would be able to charge people over 50 more than younger people. 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, including $5,720 in North Carolina, according to the AARP.
•  426,014 North Carolinians in the Marketplaces Would Pay More for Coverage. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, consumers would no longer have access to tax credits that help them pay their marketplace premiums, meaning roughly nine million people who receive these tax credits to pay for coverage will have to pay more, including 426,014 in North Carolina.
• 165,931 North Carolina Seniors Could Have to Pay More for Prescription Drugs. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, seniors could have to pay more for prescription drugs because the Medicare “donut” hole would be reopened. 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 CMS report. In North Carolina, 165,931 seniors each saved an average of $1,117.

If Trump Gets His Way, Insurance Companies Would Have the Power to Limit the Care You Get, Even If You Have Insurance Through Your Employer

• Insurance Companies Do Not Have to Provide the Coverage You Need. The Affordable Care Act made comprehensive coverage more available by requiring insurance companies to include “essential health benefits” in their plans, such as maternity care, hospitalization, substance abuse care and prescription drug coverage. Before the ACA, people had to pay extra for separate coverage for these benefits. For example, in 2013, 75 percent of non-group plans did not cover maternity care, 45 percent did not cover substance abuse disorder services, and 38 percent did not cover mental health services. Six percent did not even cover generic drugs.
• Reinstate Lifetime and Annual Limits On 3,091,000 Privately Insured North Carolinians. Repealing the Affordable Care Act means insurance companies would be able to impose annual and lifetime limits on coverage for those insured through their employer or on the individual market.
• Large Employers Could Choose to Follow Any State’s Guidance, Enabling Them Put Annual and Lifetime Limits on Their Employees’ Health Care. Without the ACA’s definition of essential health benefits (EHB) in even some states, states could eliminate them altogether. Large employers could choose to apply any state’s standard, making state regulations essentially meaningless. Because the prohibition on annual and lifetime limits only applies to essential health benefits, this change would allow employers to reinstate annual and lifetime limits on their employees’ coverage.

If Trump Gets His Way, Medicaid Expansion Would Be Repealed

• 692,000 North Carolinians who could gain coverage if North Carolina were to expand Medicaid will be denied that possibility. By not fully expanding Medicaid, North Carolina has restricted its Medicaid program, preventing 692,000 residents from gaining coverage.
• Access To Treatment Would Be In Jeopardy For 800,000 People With Opioid Use Disorder. Roughly four in ten, or 800,000 people with an opioid use disorder are enrolled in Medicaid. Many became eligible through Medicaid expansion.
• Key Support For Rural Hospitals Would Disappear, leaving North Carolina hospitals with $1.1 billion more in uncompensated care. 

As President Trump takes the stage in North Carolina tomorrow night, the record of one of his worst enablers in his war on health care, Senator Thom Tillis, will be on full display. Since he was elected in 2014, Tillis has endorsed and voted for the Trump/GOP repeal and sabotage agenda of fully repealing the Affordable Care Act, gutting protections for people with pre-existing conditions, increasing premiums and prescription drug costs, and slashing funding for Medicare and Medicaid. His record is clear: when it comes to health care, Thom Tillis puts the Trump repeal and sabotage agenda above the well-being of every North Carolinian.

Tillis Supports Repealing The ACA And Its Protections For 3.9 Million North Carolinians with Pre-Existing Conditions

2014: Tillis Said Repealing The ACA Was One Of His Top Priorities In The Senate. “A day after his win over Kay Hagan, Republican Thom Tillis is talking about what he wants to get done in Washington. Tillis spoke about the committee he wants to serve on and his plan to try and repeal Obamacare. Tillis met reporters at Cornelius Town Hall on Wednesday and spoke about reaching out to Democrats. ‘I think we should start by finding bipartisan opportunities to move for on the legislative agenda,’ Tillis said. On bills dealing with jobs and the economy, and the proposed oil pipeline from Canada to Texas, Tillis says Democratic leadership stalled in the Senate. He also vowed to fulfill a campaign promise — reversing Obamacare. The president would veto any bill to repeal it, but Tillis said there are other tactics. ‘Take a look at things we can delay like the employer mandates. Other things, if we can delay them or replace them with something more sustainable, that’s what we need to focus on,’ Tillis said.” [WSOC, 11/5/14] 

2015:  Tillis Voted To Repeal Most Of The ACA.  Tillis voted for legislation that gutted the Affordable Care Act by eliminating the insurance exchanges and subsidies, and repealing the Medicaid expansion accepted by 30 states.  [HR 3762, Roll Call Vote #114, 12/3/15] 

2017:  Tillis Voted For The Senate “Repeal And Delay” Plan.  Tillis voted for Obamacare Repeal and Replacement Act was a Republican effort to repeal the ACA without a replacement.  Known as “repeal and delay,” the bill repealed major sections of the ACA, including the Medicaid expansion and premium tax credits, in 2020.  [HR 1628, Roll Call Vote #169, 7/26/17] 

• If Repeal and Delay became law, 32 million fewer people would have health insurance by 2026. 18 million Americans would lose health coverage just in the first year after repeal. 
• Health insurance premiums would double for those in the individual market.

2017: Tillis Voted For The Better Care Reconciliation Act.  Tillis voted for the Better Care Reconciliation Act, which repealed and replaced the ACA.  [HR 1628, Roll Call Vote #168, 7/25/17] 

• BCRA would have eliminated coverage for 15 million Americans in 2018.
• The bill gutted Medicaid by more than $2 trillion over the next two decades and eliminated Medicaid expansion. 
• Individual premiums would have increased 20 percent in 2018 and comprehensive coverage would become “extremely expensive” in some markets. 

2017:  Tillis Voted For “Skinny Repeal” Of The ACA. Tillis voted for “Skinny Repeal” of the ACA, which repealed the individual mandate and delayed the employer mandate while leaving most of the rest of the law in place.  [HR 1628, Roll Call Vote #179, 7/28/17] 

According To The CBO, Skinny Repeal Would Have Resulted In The Largest Coverage Loss in American History: 

• • At minimum, 15 million Americans would lose coverage in 2018.  This would have been the biggest one-year increase in our nation’s history. 
  • Premiums would go up by roughly 20 percent 

Tillis Has Voted To Slash Medicare and Medicaid

2017: Tillis Voted To Cut Medicare By $473 Billion.  Tillis voted for the FY 2018 budget resolution, which included $473 billion in cuts to Medicare over 10 years. [H Con Res 71, Vote #245, 10/19/17; Vox, 10/26/17] 

2017: Tillis Voted To Slash $1.3 Trillion From Medicaid.  Tillist voted for the FY 2018 budget resolution, which cut funding for non-Medicare health programs, most notably Medicaid, by 1.3 trillion, a 20 percent cut over the course of 10 years, increasing to a 29.3 percent cut by 2027.  [H Con Res 71, Vote #245, 10/19/17; Vox, 10/26/17] 

2013: Tillis Supported Legislation To Block North Carolina From Expanding Medicaid.  “Gov. Pat McCrory is backing a move by the legislature to block the state from expanding its Medicaid program or participating in the state health insurance exchanges created by the federal Affordable Care Act. […] House Speaker Thom Tillis expressed similar thoughts during a morning news conference, saying the bill is ‘setting the tone’ for how North Carolina funds Medicaid in the future. ‘Before we have a discussion about really increasing the funding to Medicaid, we need to make sure that the process we’re putting it into is going to make it more likely that those dollars are going to people who need help versus just being churned through an inefficient and wasteful department,’ he said. ‘This (bill) puts the emphasis back on fixing Medicaid,’ Tillis added.” [WRAL, 2/12/13] 

Washington, DC — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Emergency Access to Insulin Act of 2019, a bill that would speed up the availability of insulin and drive down costs for the 7.5 million Americans with diabetes who rely on the medication to survive. Protect Our Care chair Leslie Dach issued the following in response:

“Senator Smith’s legislation takes much-needed action to hold drug manufacturers accountable for predatory price gouging while promoting market competition to drive down the price of insulin. While drug companies continue to raise prices on life-saving drugs just to line their pockets, Senator Smith and her Democratic colleagues continue to fight for the lower costs and better care that every American deserves.” 

Days after the Trump administration argued to destroy our health care in court, the White House is hosting a pep rally today with conservative organizations like the Heritage Foundation, Americans for Tax Reform, the American Conservative Union and the National Taxpayers Union; leading architects of destroying American health care. All of these organizations have worked overtime to repeal the health care law, ripping coverage away from millions of Americans and stripping protections for those with pre-existing conditions. And these are the groups Americans are supposed to trust with the future of their health care if the court throws out the health care law? Give us a break.

GOP Health Care Repeal Would Have Raised Health Care Costs, Especially For Older Americans

Raise Premiums By Double Digits. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that a key part of the American Health Care Act, repealing the requirement that most people have health insurance and was enacted as part of the GOP tax bill, will raise premiums 10 percent in the first year.

Impose An Age Tax – Older Americans Pay Nearly $12,000 More. The American Health Care Act would have imposed what the AARP calls an “age tax” on older Americans by cutting the amount of assistance older people receive and by allowing insurers to charge people over 50 five times more. Nationally, out-of-pocket costs for older people could have increased by as much as $11,917 by 2026. 

Surcharge For People With Pre-Existing Conditions. The American Health Care Act would have allowed states to eliminate community rating, meaning insurers would be able to charge people with pre-existing conditions more. This surcharge could have been in the tens of thousands of dollars and even six figures: up to $4,270 for asthma, $17,060 for pregnancy, $26,180 for rheumatoid arthritis and $140,510 for metastatic cancer.

Health Care Repeal Would Have Caused Millions of Americans To Lose Coverage 

23 Million Would Have Lost Coverage. By 2026, 23 million U.S. residents would have lost coverage under this bill. 

14 Million With Medicaid Would Have Lost Coverage. Under the American Health Care Act, 14 million with Medicaid would have lost their coverage by 2026. 

441,300 U.S. Veterans Would Have Lost Coverage. Under the American Health Care Act, 441,400 veterans would have lost their Medicaid coverage nationally.

GOP Health Care Repeal Would Have Meant Weaker Protections For Americans

52 Million Americans Have A Pre-Existing Condition, And Were At Risk For Paying More. The American Health Care Act would have weakened key protections of the Affordable Care Act by allowing states to let insurers charge 52 million Americans with pre-existing conditions more, among other provisions. The bill would have made it more likely insurers would cherrypick young and healthier people, causing costs to skyrocket for older, sicker people. 

Women’s Health Would Be In Jeopardy. The American Health Care Act would have blocked millions from accessing birth control, cancer screenings, and other basic health care at Planned Parenthood health centers, eliminated the guarantee of maternity coverage, and newborn care, and allowed insurers to discriminate against women.

GOP Health Care Repeal Would Have Ended Medicaid As We Know It 

Medicaid Would Have Been Slashed By $839 Billion. The American Health Care Act would have ended Medicaid as we know it, a 50 year old program that helps seniors, children, people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations get the care they need. It would have slashed Medicaid by $839 billion, ended the funding needed to expand Medicaid, and converted the program into a “per capita cap”, thus ending guaranteed coverage for everyone who has it. As a result, the Republican repeal bill put the health of 77 million, or one in five Americans, who count on Medicaid in grave danger. These cuts would have strained state budgets and undermined efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

GOP Health Care Repeal Would Have Cut Health Care To Give Tax Breaks To The Rich

• CNN Money: Republican health care plan has a big tax break for execs’ pay [3/7/17]
• Buzzfeed: The Republican Health Care Plan Includes A Tax Break For Insurance CEOs [3/6/17]

 

Yesterday, Democratic elected officials from across the country spoke out against Texas v. United States, the Trump-Republican lawsuit that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act and devastate Americans’ health care nationwide. Ahead of oral arguments in the case, Democrats sent a clear and unified message: They will fight for every American against the Trump-Republican crusade on their health care. 

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): “Under the ACA, the 130 million Americans w/ pre-existing conditions cannot be discriminated against by their insurer. Their health care costs could skyrocket if the GOP’s Texas v. US lawsuit succeeds in throwing out years of progress on health care. #ProtectOurCare.” [Speaker Pelosi Twitter, 7/9/19]

Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “The stakes can’t be higher: @realDonaldTrump & Republican AGs are arguing in court that MILLIONS of Americans should lose their health care & the protections included in our health care law. I took to the Capitol steps with Speaker Pelosi and Senate & House Democrats to protest.” [Senator Chuck Schumer Twitter, 7/9/19]

Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX-32): “President Trump’s lawsuit will gut the ACA & protections for people w/ pre-existing conditions, hurting folks like Rob & Debbie Rose of Rowlett, TX. Like so many, they rely on the ACA to get health insurance. This is not partisan. Let’s stop this sabotage.” [Rep. Colin Allred Twitter, 7/9/19]

Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO): “The #TxvUS lawsuit is yet another attempt by Republicans to sabotage the #ACA. #WhatsAtStake if they win? Health care coverage for millions of Americans – including those with pre-existing conditions. We won’t stop the fight to #ProtectOurCare.” [Senator Michael Bennet Twitter, 7/9/19] 

Vice President Joe Biden: “Today, the Affordable Care Act is back in the courts — putting the health care of millions of Americans at risk. It’s clear some will stop at nothing to sabotage Obamacare and roll back the progress we’ve made.” [Joe Biden Twitter, 7/9/19]

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ): “The continued Trump-GOP efforts to repeal the #ACA would leave nearly 20 million Americans—and 595,000 New Jerseyans—without health insurance. As oral arguments begin in #TXvUS, we must continue to defend this fundamental right. Lives are at stake. #ProtectOurCare” [Senator Cory Booker Twitter, 7/9/19] 

Senator Bob Casey (D-PA): “This is unacceptable and reprehensible. The Court must prevent the administration and Republicans from succeeding in their quest to deny millions of Americans health care.” [Senator Bob Casey, 7/9/19]

Former HUD Secretary Julian Castro: “The Trump administration is actively working to undermine our health care system and jeopardize the coverage of 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions. We must #ProtectOurCare and work to expand, not restrict, access to quality health care.” [Secretary Julian Castro Twitter, 7/9/19] 

Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA): “As California Attorney General, I fought to protect the ACA in court. As Senator, I’ve fought its repeal at every turn. And to the millions of people who depend on the ACA’s protections: as President, I will stop these attacks and fight to expand your care. We won’t go back.” [Senator Kamala Harris Twitter, 7/9/19]

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04): “I’m fighting every day in Congress for people like Joe–for more than half of all Nevadans who could lose their health care coverage if the #ACA is eliminated in #TexasvUS. #ProtectOurCare” [Steven Horsford Twitter, 7/9/19]

Senator Doug Jones (D-AL): “1/3 of Alabamians under 65 have a pre-existing condition – all of whom are at risk of losing health coverage if the Affordable Care Act is dismantled in federal court. Once again, families across America are at risk of losing their health care. We must #ProtectOurCare!” [Senator Doug Jones Twitter, 7/9/19] 

Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-03): “I spoke on the floor today for the millions of Americans scared right now that they might lose their health care with the dismantling of the ACA. No matter what happens in #TexasvUS, we need to protect their health care. #ForThePeople” [Rep. Susie Lee Twitter, 7/9/19]

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT): “Given how oral arguments went today in the 5th circuit ACA case, every reporter within earshot of a Senate Republican tomorrow should ask what their plan is should the entire ACA be struck down and 20 million lose coverage.” [Senator Chris Murphy Twitter, 7/9/19]

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA): “Speaking on the Senate floor about how Republicans are bringing a partisan lawsuit to try to give power back to insurance companies and leave millions of patients and families without access to the quality, affordable care they need. #ProtectOurCare” [Senator Patty Murray Twitter, 7/9/19] 

Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX): “We will defend the ACA. We will protect the care of those whose lives depend on it. And we will fight for universal, guaranteed, high-quality health care so every person can see a doctor, afford their prescriptions, and live to their full potential.” [Beto O’Rourke Twitter, 7/9/19]

Senator Gary Peters (D-MI): “TODAY The Trump Admin. is arguing before a federal appeals court to invalidate the entire health care law. If successful, Michiganders would see higher health care costs, including for prescription drugs & millions with preexisting health conditions would lose protections.” [Senator Gary Peters Twitter, 7/9/19] 

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN-03): “I’m checking in from Washington to let you know that I’m doing everything I can to not just ensure that the #ACA remains, but to improve it.” [Rep. Dean Phillips Twitter, 7/9/19]

Senator Tina Smith (D-MN): “Today—in protest of the GOP’s cruel push to kill the #ACA—I held up a photo of Raquel. A strong Minnesotan who beat cancer & substance abuse. The ACA’s protections for pre-existing conditions helped her get the care she needed. 1 of countless reasons why we must #ProtectOurCare.” [Senator Tina Smith, 7/9/19] 

Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-01): “On Day One of the 116th Congress, I voted to put the full legal weight of the House behind protecting the ACA. I will continue to stand strong against these outrageous attempts to take away Michiganders’ access to quality, affordable health care.” [Rep. Haley Stevens Twitter, 7/9/19] 

Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14): “I have a pre-existing condition. I represent a district where 300,000 people have pre-existing conditions. I refuse to let this Administration put them in danger any longer – I’m leading the fight to #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. Lauren Underwood Twitter, 7/9/19]

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA): “The Trump administration is in court today in their never-ending crusade to destroy health care for millions of Americans. If they succeed, families like Chantel’s would go bankrupt. People would die. #ProtectOurCare” [Senator Elizabeth Warren Twitter, 7/9/19]

Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA-07): “I’ll continue standing up to these attacks on the #ACA.  That’s why I voted to strengthen Congress’ hand to intervene in this lawsuit. I will also continue leading legislation to #ProtectOurCare for people with pre-existing conditions & lower prescription drug costs.” [Rep. Susan Wild Twitter, 7/9/19]

Washington, DC — Across the country on Monday and Tuesday, elected officials, health care advocates, doctors and patient storytellers came together at 19 separate events in 14 states hosted by Protect Our Care to highlight the devastating impact that overturning the health care law would have in their communities, on their families and for millions of Americans. Participants at Protect Our Care’s events made crystal clear that our health care laws are in imminent danger due to Trump’s lawsuit and spoke out in defense of the health care law and the millions who will lose coverage should it be dismantled. 

Additionally, Protect Our Care aired a new ad Tuesday warning the American people about the Trump lawsuit. The ad ran on cable in DC, and digitally in-state targeting GOP senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) – who all support Trump’s Texas lawsuit that would decimate their constituents’ health care.

ALASKA

Tuesday, July 9th – Override the Vetoes Rally

Protect Our Care Alaska joined thousands of Alaskans at the Override the Vetoes rally in  response to Governor Dunleavy’s devastating budget vetoes, which include $77 million in cuts to the state Medicaid program and loss of what is projected to be upwards of $50 million dollars in matching federal funds. The rally comes the same day as day oral arguments for the Texas v. United States case occur—marking an attack on the state’s Medicaid expansion in addition to the Governor’s assault on the program. View video of the event here. 

ARIZONA

Tuesday, July 9th – Event with DNC Chair Tom Perez and State Rep. Kelli Butler

DNC Chair Tom Perez, State Rep. Kelli Butler, and health care advocates from across the state joined Protect Our Care Arizona for an event to highlight the devastating impacts on Arizonans’ health care if the Texas v. United States lawsuit prevails. Participants described the value of the ACA across Arizona and called on Arizona officials to stand up against this war on health care.View the post-event release here and video of the event here.

• KJZZ (NPR): DNC Chairman Hosts Pro-Affordable Care Act Rally In Phoenix
• AZ Central:  DNC Chair Defends Obamacare in Phoenix
• KNXV 15: Affordable Care Act Challenge
• KPHO: The Fate of Obamacare
• KTVK: Debate Over Health Coverage
• AZ Family: Democratic Party Chair blasts Sen. McSally as part of the ‘Duo of Doom’
• AZ Central: Meantime, people you elected would kill your health care and, indirectly, maybe even you

COLORADO

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Call with State Reps. Dylan Roberts, Daneya Esgar and Patient Advocates

Protect Our Care Colorado hosted a press call with State Rep. Dylan Roberts and Adam Fox of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative to highlight the devastating impact the Texas v. United States lawsuit could have on Coloradans. Participants described the progress made across Colorado under the ACA and what is at stake for Coloradans, particularly those living with a pre-existing condition. Laura Packard, who survived stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, credits the Affordable Care Act with saving her life, blasted Republicans for refusing to stand up for others like her. View the post-call release here and audio of the call here.  

• Denver Westword: Democrats Blast Gardner on Health Care Amid Another Obamacare Repeal Effort
• Pueblo Chieftain (Laura Packard Op Ed): Health care is a basic human right
• KDVR TV 2:  Coloradans Await Another Ruling that Could Up End Obamacare
• KRDO: Local expert weighs in on how changes to Affordable Care Act could affect Colorado

GEORGIA

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at State Capitol

State Rep. David Dreyer and concerned Georgians joined Protect Our Care Georgia at the State Capitol to call attention to the potential repercussions of the Texas v. United States for a variety of people, including young adults on their parents’ plan, the disabled community, and those with pre-existing conditions. They also called out Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, who is one of the Republicans who brought the lawsuit. View the post-event release here and video of the event here.

• WABE: Obamacare Lawsuit Has Georgia Advocates Worried
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: An Obamacare hearing with deep implications — for the GOP and a Democratic presidential field
• WXIA 11: Harvard-bound Atlanta woman battling lupus concerned over state’s court fight on ACA’s preexisting conditions rule

IOWA

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at State Capitol 

Progress Iowa and Protect Our Care Iowa joined State Sen. Janet Petersen in Des Moines for a press conference outside the State Capitol condemning the Trump lawsuit that would eliminate coverage for thousands of Iowans. 

• Iowa Labor News: Iowans To Stand Up For Health Care as Oral Arguments Begin in Texas v. United States
• Iowa Starting Line: Iowans Warn of Consequences of Anti-ACA, Trump-Backed Lawsuit
• KCCI: POC and Senator Janet Peterson coverage
• WHO: Des Moines coverage

Tuesday, July 9th  – Press Conference at U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s Office in Cedar Rapids

Progress Iowa, Protect Our Care Iowa, State Sen. Janet Petersen, and a group of Iowans gathered in Cedar Rapids outside of Senator Joni Ernst’s office to call attention to her support for the dangerous this lawsuit and repeal of the ACA. Ernst has refused to sign onto a Senate resolution that would allow Senate counsel to go to court and defend the Affordable Care Act. 

 

• Cedar Rapids Gazette: Another court weighs fate of Obamacare
• KCRG: Des Moines and Cedar Rapids coverage
• KGAN: Cedar Rapids coverage

 

MAINE

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at State House Welcome Center

Protect Our Care Maine was joined by State Rep. Thom Harnett, State Sen. David Miramant, and Consumers for Affordable Health Care to call attention to the Texas v. United States lawsuit and the continued war on the Affordable Care Act. State Rep. Donna Doore could not make the event due to radiation. The very idea that people like myself and millions of other Americans with preexisting conditions would not be able to obtain insurance under the ACA is ridiculous.” View the post-event release here and video of the event here. 

• Maine Public: Thousands Of Mainers Could Be Affected If Affordable Care Act Is Overturned
• Bangor Daily News: Ongoing challenge to Affordable Care Act could add to risks for Collins
• Maine Beacon: ACA lawsuit threatens to leave almost 90,000 Mainers uninsured
• U.S. Sen. Angus King: Video on consequences of Texas v. United States

MICHIGAN

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Call with State House Democratic Leader and State Representatives

Protect Our Care Michigan joined with State House Democratic Leader Rep. Christine Greig and State Reps. Abdullah Hammoud and Frank Liberati to shed light on the detrimental impact that the Texas v. United States lawsuit could have on Michiganders’ health. They noted that if the lawsuit is successful, more than 720,000 Michigan residents could lose their health care coverage. View the post-event release here and audio of the call here. 

• Gongwer: Dems Sound Alarm As ACA Oral Arguments Begin 
• MLive: Michigan Democrats ramp up fight to stop Obamacare repeal
• MIRS: As Judges Hear ACA Arguments, Democrats Take Their Case To Public
• Michigan Advance: Michigan Democrats come out against lawsuit squashing Obamacare

MINNESOTA

Monday, July 8th – Press Call with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, Reps. Angie Craig and Dean Phillips, and AG Keith Ellsion

Senator Tina Smith, Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) and Dean Phillips (MN-03), and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined Protect Our Care Minnesota to discuss Trump’s lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Dawn Burnfin, a home health care worker from Chisholm, Minnesota, also shared her own experiences as a mother raising five children with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and a pre-existing condition which could cost the family their health coverage in the absence of the Affordable Care Act’s protections.  View the post-call release here and audio of the call here.

• Duluth News-Tribune: With Obamacare set to face another test, Minnesotans warn of consequences
• Voice of Alexandria: Minnesota Democrats Defend Affordable Care Act on Appeals Court Day

NEVADA

Monday, July 8 – Event with Battle Born Progress and Rep. Susie Lee

Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) appeared at a Battle Born Progress event to discuss the Texas v. United States lawsuit that threatens to derail health care for millions of Nevadans. Rep. Lee said, “attacking and dismantling the Affordable Care Act will destabilize our individual market, send premiums skyrocketing and dismantle protections for those with pre-existing conditions and cut out access to health care for millions of Americans.” State Assemblywoman Lesley Cohen also highlighted the bills in Nevada’s state legislature meant to strengthen state protections in the face of the Republican assault on federal heath care laws. 

• Nevada Current: Health Care for Thousands in Nevada at Stake in ACA case 
• KSNV: ACA Appeal: Much at stake for Nevada

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at State Legislative Building

Protect Our Care Nevada was joined by SEIU, Planned Parenthood, and Children’s Advocacy Alliance to call attention to the effects of the Texas lawsuit on Nevadans, including eliminating protections for pre-existing conditions. 

• Las Vegas Review Journal:  Validity of Obamacare Law at Issue in Court Hearing

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Monday, July 8 – New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Press Event 

New Hampsire’s entire congressional delegation – Sen. Jeanne Shahhen, Sen. Maggie Hassan, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), and Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) – gathered for a press conference to speak out against the lawsuit to repeal the Affordable Care Act and highlight the potentially devastating repercussions for Granite Staters’ health care.

• New Hampshire NPR: N.H. Congressional Delegation Warns Against Repeal of ACA
• WMUR: Democratic lawmakers warn of serious consequences if ACA is overturned 
• WCAX: NH Congressional delegation to discuss health care preservation
• Union Leader: As federal lawsuit looms, NH congressional delegation pushes for support of Obamacare

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference at New Hampshire State House

Local doctors, an advocacy group leader, and a patient joined Protect Our Care New Hampshire to call attention to the Texas v. United States lawsuit and call on Governor Chris Sununu to sign SB 4, which would codify the protections of the ACA in state law should the law be repealed at the federal level through the courts. During the press conference, Gov. Sununu announced he would sign the bill. View the post-event release here and video of the event here. 

• WMUR: Senate signs bill to protect coverage for preexisting conditions
• Concord Monitor: Sununu to sign Democrat-backed safeguards to Obamacare provisions
• New Hampshire NPR: Sununu To Sign Bill To Protect Health Coverage for Those With Pre-existing Conditions

NORTH CAROLINA

Tuesday,July 9th – Press Conference with AG Josh Stein and Health Care Advocates

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein joined Protect Our Care North Carolina and health care advocates from across the state for a press conference to denounce the Trump administration’s lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act, and highlight the need for officials to stand-up against attacks on North Carolinians’ health care. View the post-event release here and video of the event here. 

• North Carolina Health News: As legislators debate Medicaid expansion, Josh Stein defends the law that makes it possible
• WNCN: ACA Arguments Begin
• WPTF: Health coverage for millions up in the air

OHIO

Monday, July 8th – Roundtable with Senator Sherrod Brown

A day ahead of oral arguments in the Texas v. United States lawsuit, Senator Sherrod Brown joined health care experts, doctors, advocates, and patients to discuss health care and how the lawsuit would impact Ohioans. Representatives from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, UHCAN Ohio, National Physicians Alliance, Policy Matters Ohio, and others joined the event.

• Cleveland Plain Dealer: U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown sharply criticizes Trump’s effort to overturn the Affordable Care Act in court

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference with Rep. Marcy Kaptur in Toledo

Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), State Rep. Paula Hicks Hudson, and health care advocates from across the state joined Protect Our Care Ohio for a press conference to discuss the Trump administration’s lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Participants denounced Republicans’ ongoing efforts to strip millions of Americans of their health care, and undo protections for people with pre-existing conditions. View the post-event release here.

• Toledo Blade: Toledoans rally in support of Affordable Care Act 
• WTVG: Protect Our Care to hold a news conference to show ACA support
• WTOL: Ohio leaders call attention to health care lawsuit

Tuesday, July 9th – Press Conference in Columbus

In Columbus, Protect Our Care Ohio was joined by Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, State Rep. Erica Crawley, Dr. Ean Bett, and representatives from local advocacy groups to speak out against the current Trump lawsuit to overturn the ACA. Attorney Klein also spoke about the lawsuit he is leading, along with other U.S. cities, against the Trump administration for its continued sabotage of American health care. View the post-event release here. 

• WSYX: Columbus Leaders Defend Obamacare
• WCMH: State and local officials and doctors rally in support of Affordable Care Act

PENNSYLVANIA & NEW JERSEY

Monday, July 8th — Press Call with Reps. Susan Wild and Andy Kim 

Reps. Susan Wild (PA-07) and Andy Kim (NJ-02) joined Protect Our Care for a press call to denounce Trump’s disastrous Texas lawsuit to destroy America’s health care ahead of oral arguments, and focused on the impacts that Texas v. United States would have on their districts. Listen to audio of the call here.

• Burlington County Times: Congressman Andy Kim warns of ‘health care crisis’ if Affordable Care Act is invalidated

Tuesday, July 9th — Press Call with U.S. Sen. Bob Casey 

Senator Bob Casey joined advocates and patients with pre-existing conditions today on a press call to discuss the Trump lawsuit’s threat to Pennsylvanians’ health care. Senator Casey was joined by Antoinette Kraus at the Pennsylvania Health Action Network and two Pennsylvanians with pre-existing conditions to share their experiences as well as what the lawsuit could mean for their livelihoods. View the post call release here and audio of the call here.

• KDKA Radio: Senator Bob Casey Defends Affordable Care Act
• Penn Capital Star: ‘Obnoxious’ Texas case could cost thousands in Pa. their health insurance, Pa. Sen. Casey warns
• Lehigh Valley Live: Local leaders say affordable health care is a right, ‘not a privilege for the fortunate few’
• Morning Call: Democratic lawmakers push to protect Obamacare on eve of court appeal
• Johnstown Tribune Democrat:  Casey warns of legal challenge to Affordable Care Act
• Philadelphia Tribune:  Court ruling could impact future of federal health law
• Trib Live:  Patients fear losing health insurance if Trump-backed lawsuit to gut ACA prevails
• Bucks County Courier Times: Casey, health care advocates ‘sound the alarm’ about ACA lawsuit
• Pittsburgh Business Times: Casey: ACA lawsuit would be devastating if successful
• Observer-Reporter: Casey defends Affordable Care Act

WISCONSIN

Tuesday, July 9th — Press Call with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and AG Josh Kaul

Senator Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined a press call with Protect Our Care Wisconsin to talk about the implications of the Trump lawsuit on Badgers’ health care. Kaul pulled Wisconsin out of the Trump lawsuit after being elected last November, and has made protecting the ACA a top priority. View the post call release here and audio of the call here.

• Wispol: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and AG Josh Kaul today slammed the Trump administration for backing a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Affordable Care Act. 
• WSAW 7:  Wisconsin lawmakers, officials respond to ACA in court