News

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08), Annie Kuster (D-NH-02) and Andy Kim (D-NJ-03), and Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT) Headlined “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour Events

On the first week of Protect Our Care’s 12,000-mile “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” made stops in six states to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs and to let Americans know how and when they can access these new benefits. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers discussed  how the bill could save families thousands of dollars a year on health care. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives. Next week, the tour continues in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas. 

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Here

BANGOR, ME:

Protect Our Care was joined by Attorney General Aaron Frey, Ann Woloson from Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Marie Follayttar Smith from Mainers for Accountable Leadership, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Pierce Park.

Coverage

• WFVX: “Lower Cost Better Care” Bus Tour Kicks off in Bangor
• WABI: Protect Our Care Bus Makes Its First Stop In Bangor
• WVII (Video): Affordable Health Care Bus Tour

Watch the event here.

PORTSMOUTH, NH

At Prescott Park, Protect Our Care held a press conference with the U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Zandra Rice Hawkins from Granite State Progress, Nancy Glynn from MomsRising, Joan Jacobs, breast cancer patient & senior on Medicare, Health care advocate Ansley Womble, Protect Our Care NH State Director Jayme Simões, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate. 

Watch the event here.

CONCORD, NH

At New Hampshire State House, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH-02), Hanan Babikir Bedri from NH Public Health Association, Gail Brown from NH Oral Health Coalition, Zandra Rice Hawkins from Granite State Progress, Lyn Lindpaintner from Kent Street, Lisa Beaudoin from ABLE NH, Nancy Glynn from MomsRising, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate.

Coverage

• WMUR: Kuster, Burns Share Competing Ideas on Cutting Costs of Prescription Drugs
• Concord Monitor: Bus Tour Touting Health Care Laws Hits Concord 

Watch the event here.

HARTFORD, CT

At the Connecticut State House, Protect Our Care was joined by Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ayesha R. Clarke from Health Equity Solutions, Deby Gould, a Connecticut health insurance broker, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist, for a press conference.

Coverage

• CT News Junkie: Lamont, Advocates Highlight Federal Premium Subsidies With The Cost of Care Rising

Watch the event here. 

SCRANTON, PA

Protect Our Care held a press conference with Senator Bob Casey, Representative Matt Cartwright (D-08), Robin Stelly for Pennsylvania Health Access Network, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist.

Coverage

• WBRE: ‘Care Force One’ Stops in Scranton With Cartwright and Casey in Tow
• WOLF (Video): Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright Join Care Force One in Scranton to Talk Lower Drug Costs
• WYOU (Video): Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright Join POC Bus Tour in Scranton
• WBRE (Video): Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright Join POC Bus Tour in Scranton
• WYOU-TV (CBS): Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright speak on inflation reduction act 
• WYOU-TV (CBS): Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright Join POC Bus Tour in Scranton
• WBRE-TV (NBC): Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright Join Protect Our Care Bus in Scranton 
• WBRE-TV (NBC): Sen. Casey and Rep. Cartwright Join Protect Our Care’s Lower Premiums, Better Health Care Bus Tour 
• Fox 56: Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright Highlight Inflation Reduction Act

Watch the event here.

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Protect Our Care held a press conference with Councilmember Helen Gym and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist.

Coverage

• WPVI (Video): Councilmember Helen Gym and Advocates Tout Inflation Reduction Act in Philadelphia

Watch the event here.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-06), Laura Waddell for New Jersey Citizen Action, and New Brunswick Mayor James M. Cahill.

Coverage

• News 12 New Jersey: Protect Our Care Nationwide Bus Tour in New Brunswick, Middlesex County
• NJ Spotlight News: Advocates Celebrate Lowering of Health Care Costs

MARLTON, NJ

Protect Our Care held a press conference with Congressman Andy Kim (D-03), Laura Waddell for NJ Citizen Action, Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, Willingboro Senior Center Director Reva Foster, and Myra Hirschhorn. 

PITTSBURGH, PA

At the Pittsburgh City County Building, Protect Our Care held a press conference with State Rep. Dan Frankel, Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist, and Erin Gabriel.

MORGANTOWN, WV

At Mylan Park, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Michael Garcia, Regional Representative for Senator Manchin, Dr. Jessica Ice for WVAHC, Delegate Barbara Fleischauer, Delegate John Williams, Delegate Danielle Walker, Delegate Evan Hansen, Laura Packard, Mindy Salango, and Lynette Maselli for Protect Our Care WV.

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

Washington DC — Today, U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced legislation to repeal the most popular provision of the Inflation Reduction Act: Medicare negotiation. Giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices will drive down costs for millions of seniors and save the taxpayers $98.5 billion. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“This bill is a complete travesty. GIving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices is a commonsense, overwhelmingly popular measure to lower costs and deliver relief to millions of American seniors. Yet Republicans are once again showing their true colors: they want to turn their backs on seniors and instead line the pockets of big drug companies and their CEOs, who have no problem ripping off taxpayers and forcing Americans to pay two to three times what consumers in other countries pay for the same drugs. The bottom line is if Republicans have their way, they will repeal the Inflation Reduction Act entirely, hiking costs for families and ripping away lifesaving health care from those who need it most.” 

Background:

Medicare Negotiating Power Will Decrease Costs for Millions.

• Currently over 46.6 million Americans are enrolled with Medicare Part D, making Medicare one of the largest used government services in the country, especially within marginalized communities with Black Medicare beneficiaries nearly 1.5 times as likely to struggle affording prescriptions and twice as likely to stop taking medications due to cost.
• Over $407 billion is spent annually on prescription drugs, but with the ability to negotiate down prices, Medicare could potentially save taxpayers billions while also reducing out-of-pocket costs as Medicare premiums fall.
• With new studies showing enrolling in Medicare reduces economic anxiety while increasing health care usage, lowering total costs through this negotiating power and increasing access is more critical than ever.

Republican Leadership Is All In On Repealing Lower Drug Prices And Premiums 

• HEADLINE: “House GOP Eyes Repeal Of Dems’ Drug Pricing Law” [Axios, 9/23/22] 
• Rep. Kevin Brady:  “Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, indicated repealing the drug pricing law is a likely agenda item. ‘Because those drug provisions are so dangerous, by discouraging investment in life-saving cures, I would imagine that will be a top priority for Republicans in the new session,’ he said.” 
• Rep. Jason Smith:  “As of now, the top two contenders to lead the Ways and Means Committee are Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), ranking Republican of the House Banking Committee, and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), who is seen as the Republican next in line. […]  Smith told Axios in a phone interview he thinks Republicans should leverage debt limit negotiations to ‘reverse’ the administration’s ‘radical’ policies — including by sending a bill gutting the Democratic agenda to President Biden’s desk and daring him to reject it. ‘If Republicans are trying to cut spending, surely he wouldn’t try to default. If we were trying to bring down inflation … trying to secure our border, surely he wouldn’t default,’ Smith said.”
• Rep. Buddy Carter: “We’ve been asking that question not only about student debt loans, but also about a number of initiatives that have been instigated and put into place by the Biden administration, just like in the Inflation Acceleration Act that I mentioned before with the prescription drug pricing. That is something I’m very interested in as a pharmacist. I’ve been asking my colleagues, ‘How are we going to undo that when we get into the majority?’”

Help Is on The Way as Critical Drug Pricing Provision Takes Effect 

Last week, the first health care provision in the Inflation Reduction Act took effect, an important step to deliver lower costs to millions of Americans. As of October 1, 2022, drug companies will now be charged a penalty when they raise drug prices faster than the rate of inflation. News coverage makes clear that this provision marks a turning point in the drug pricing landscape, subjecting drug companies to steep penalties if they hike the price of lifesaving drugs. Along with the provisions to give Medicare the power to negotiate, cap seniors’ out-of-pocket costs, and drive down premium costs, the Inflation Reduction Act is set to make health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable for the American people. 

HEADLINES

Forbes: HHS Begins Implementation of Inflation Rebates for Medicare Part D Drugs. “On October 1st, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began implementing one of three main prescription drug pricing provisions contained in the Inflation Reduction Act. The Department of HHS now requires that drug manufacturers pay the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rebates for raising list prices of outpatient drugs for Medicare in excess of inflation. Any difference between the inflation percentage in a given year and the increase in price above inflation must be rebated to Medicare.” [Forbes, 10/5/22]

Bloomberg Law: Inflation Rebates Explained. “Makers of some of the highest-cost medications could start seeing Medicare rebate invoices as a provision of the Biden administration’s landmark drug pricing law takes effect. As of Oct. 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will measure price increases for prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D. Any increases exceeding the rate of inflation over the next 12 months will be subject to payments. w.” [Bloomberg Law, 10/4/22]

Endpoints News: New Inflation Rebates Program Going Into Effect on Saturday. “The new rebates are part of the newly signed Inflation Reduction Act, which introduces this new requirement that manufacturers pay rebates to Medicare for Part D drugs whose price increases exceed inflation, and in January 2023, the same will occur with Part B drugs. The rebate system ‘was designed to reduce the frequency and size of drug price increases,’ HHS says. The IRA also includes a provision that allows CMS to negotiate and/or cap the prices of 10 of the most expensive drugs. While those negotiations will be limited, the rebates paid by the industry may be significant.” [Endpoints News, 9/30/22]

STATEMENTS

Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden Hails Introduction of Rebates. “Starting this week, there is finally accountability for Big Pharma’s indiscriminate price gouging. Seniors and taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill while Big Pharma raises prices faster than the cost of living every year. This step is just the beginning of a seismic shift in the relationship between Big Pharma and taxpayers.” [10/6/22]

Statement From HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s action marks a critical step toward reducing health care costs for American families and increasing competition. We’re moving full-speed ahead on Inflation Reduction Act implementation to deliver results for millions of Americans.” [10/3/22]

Statement From CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “CMS is swiftly implementing the historic Inflation Reduction Act to make the new law and the benefits it provides a reality for the people we serve. The temporary Medicare Part B payment increase for qualifying biosimilars that is now in effect will foster competition in the drug marketplace for conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and immune disorders, and will improve access to these life-saving medicines that help keep people with Medicare healthy.” [10/3/22]

White House Press Secretary Kevin Munoz on the New Rebates. “Important HHS report showing prices of 1,200 drugs rose faster than inflation. The Inflation Reduction Act requires companies to pay rebates to Medicare if prices rise beyond the rate of inflation. GOP wants to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act.” [9/30/22]

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2022***

Care Force One Rolls into New Jersey on Thursday to Celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s Health Care Measures

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington DC — On day four of Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., (D-NJ 6th District), and U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ 3rd District) will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for events in New Brunswick, NJ, and Marlton, NJ, celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs. During the events, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity.

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

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

WHO:
Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., (D-NJ 6th District)
Brad Woodhouse, Executive Director, Protect Our Care
Laura Waddell, New Jersey Citizen Action
Mayor James M. Cahill, City of New Brunswick

WHERE: Care Force One, Buccleuch Park, 321 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10:30 AM ET

MARLTON, NJ

WHO:
Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ 3rd District)
Brad Woodhouse, Executive Director, Protect Our Care
Laura Waddell, NJ Citizen Action
Commissioner Allison Eckel, Burlington County
Reva Foster, Director Senior Center, Willingboro
Myra Hirschhorn, Constituent and Health Care Advocate

WHERE: Care Force One, Evesham Municipal Complex, 984 Tuckerton Rd, Marlton, NJ 08053

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 AT 10AM***

Care Force One Rolls into Scranton on Wednesday, October 5th as Part of Nationwide “Lower Cost, Better Care” Tour

Scranton, PA — Today, Senator Bob Casey and Representative Matt Cartwright will join health care advocates and local residents as part of Protect Our Care’s nationwide bus tour to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs for millions of working families and seniors. At Wednesday’s event, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans/gives Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices/lowers prescription drug prices for seniors/delivers relief to people with disabilities, people of color, and rural Americans and let Pennsylvanians know how and when they can access these new benefits. The event will take place in front of Care Force One at the Lackawanna Radisson on Wednesday, October 5th at 10AM.

WHO:
Senator Bob Casey
Representative Matt Cartwright
Anne Shoup, Communications Director, Protect Our Care
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Robin Stelly, PA Health Access Network (PHAN)
For Our Future Pennsylvania

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

WHERE: Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton, 700 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA

WHEN: Wednesday October 5th at 10AM.

The bus, called Care Force One, will travel 12,000 miles across the country, with more than 40 events in 21 states. Protect Our Care’s national bus tour is promoting the new benefits available to the American people thanks to the work of President Biden, Senator Bob Casey, Representative Matt Cartwright, and dozens of Democratic lawmakers who championed the Inflation Reduction Act. During each event, Protect Our Care will also call out Republicans for rejecting measures to improve care, lower costs, and address racial inequities in health care for the American people.

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

Governor Lamont and Senator Blumenthal Joined Protect Our Care to Celebrate The Inflation Reduction Act’s Historic Measures to Drive Down Health Care Costs for Nutmeggers

HARTFORD, CT — This afternoon, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One arrived in Hartford to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives. During today’s event, Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and health care advocates explained how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity and how Nutmeggers can access these savings. You can watch the full event here.

“We have one of the highest insured rates in the country and we still have a way to go,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “I really appreciate the work of the legislators in Washington D.C. to put in place the Inflation Reduction Act and what that does to lower health care costs and what we can build on here in Connecticut going forward.” 

“I am proud to be a fighter for better health care, to stand up to Big Pharma, and to beat Big Pharma as we did with the Inflation Reduction, which for the first time enables Medicare to negotiate lower prices. It saves taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars, caps out-of-pocket costs for seniors at $2,000, and makes sure there are no charges exceeding the rate of inflation,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). “This bill is historic for those provisions — but it is only the beginning. It shows we can beat Big Pharma after losing year after year after year. We need to win this fight not just for seniors on Medicare, but for every American.” 

“People of color disproportionately face barriers to care and experience adverse health outcomes,” said Ayesha Clarke, Interim Executive Director of Health Equity Solutions. “The Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to lower drug costs and improve health coverage will benefit communities of color across the country. It is projected that the premium savings continued through the Inflation Reduction Act have made more than 65 percent of uninsured Black adults and more than 68 percent of Hispanic and Latino adults eligible for zero-dollar premium plans.”

“After all is said and done, we as brokers want to help the individuals that we meet,” said Deby Gould, a Connecticut-based Medicare, individual, and small business insurance broker. “The new money from the Inflation Reduction Act will help those that need it most. It will make a huge difference in so many of my clients’ lives.” 

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

“The Inflation Reduction Act is a true victory for the people here in Connecticut and across the nation,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “We all know how high health care prices take a devastating toll on families when someone gets sick. After years of big drug companies and special interests pulling the strings, President Biden and Democrats in Congress delivered lower prescription drug and health care costs to millions of people — with help already on the way.” 

Tomorrow, the “Lower Costs, Better Care” tour will continue in Scranton, PA, where Protect Our Care will be joined by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-17). For more information, please visit protectourcare.org/bus-tour/.

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One will make stops in: 

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

TBA: October 31-November 4, 2022

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2022***

Care Force One Rolls into Concord, NH, and Hartford, CT, on Tuesday to Celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s Health Care Measures

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington DC — On day two of Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH-02) will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for events in Concord, New Hampshire, and Hartford, Connecticut, celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs. During the events, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity.

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

CONCORD, NH

WHO:
U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH-02)
Hanan Babikir Bedri, NH Public Health Association
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Granite State Progress
Lyn Lindpaintner, Kent Street
Nancy Glynn, MomsRising
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Care Force One, NH Statehouse, 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301

WHEN: Tuesday October 4, 2022 at 10 AM ET

HARTFORD, CT

WHO:
Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT)
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Deby Gould, health care storyteller
Ayesha Clarke, MPH, MSW
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Leslie Dach, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Connecticut State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 2:45 PM ET

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2022 AT 2:45 PM ET***

 Care Force One Rolls into Hartford on Tuesday as Part of Nationwide “Lower Cost, Better Care” Tour

HARTFORD — Tomorrow, Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) will join health care advocates and local residents as part of Protect Our Care’s nationwide bus tour celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs for millions of working families and seniors. At tomorrow’s event, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity, and they will let Nuttmeggers know how and when they can access these new benefits. The event will take place in front of Care Force One in front of the Connecticut State Capitol on Tuesday, October 4.

WHO:
Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT)
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Deby Gould, health care storyteller
Ayesha Clarke, MPH, MSW
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Leslie Dach, Protect Our Care

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

WHERE: Connecticut State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 2:45 PM ET

The bus, called Care Force One, will travel 12,000 miles across the country, with more than 40 events in 21 states. Protect Our Care’s national bus tour is promoting the new benefits available to the American people thanks to the work of President Biden and dozens of Democratic lawmakers who championed the Inflation Reduction Act. During each event, Protect Our Care will also call out Republicans in Congress for rejecting measures to improve care, lower costs, and address racial inequities in health care for the American people.

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

Washington DC — Last week, the first health care provision in the Inflation Reduction Act took effect, an important step to deliver lower costs to millions of Americans. As of October 1, 2022, drug companies will now be charged a penalty when they raise drug prices faster than the rate of inflation. In recent years, Americans have been paying three times more than people in other countries for the same prescription drugs. Just last week, the Department of Health and Human Services found that drug companies hiked prices more than the rate of inflation on more than 1,200 medications. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“For the first time in a long time, patients come ahead of drug companies. Starting this month, drug companies face stiff penalties if they jack up the price of prescription drugs in order to pad their profits, boost their stock buybacks, or give bonuses to their CEOs. For years, patients have faced prescription drug prices that rise so fast they can’t keep pace, and too many have to choose between buying food for their family or prescription drugs that keep them alive. Under President Biden and Democrats’ landmark Inflation Reduction Act, prescription drug prices will come down and patients will be able to breathe a little easier.”

From AXIOS: 

“Drugmakers raised the list prices of more than 1,200 treatments above the 8.5 percent rate of inflation from July 2021 to July 2022, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services.” 

From Endpoints News:  

“Beginning tomorrow, biopharma companies can be charged rebates for any new drug price increases rising faster than the rate of inflation.

The new rebates are part of the newly signed Inflation Reduction Act, which introduces this new requirement that manufacturers pay rebates to Medicare for Part D drugs whose price increases exceed inflation, and in January 2023, the same will occur with Part B drugs.”

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08), Annie Kuster (D-NH-02) and Andy Kim (D-NJ-03), and Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT) Will Headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” Events in Six States

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington, DC — On the first week of Protect Our Care’s 12,000-mile “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” will make stops in six states to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs and to let Americans know how and when they can access these new benefits. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers will educate Americans about how the bill could save them thousands of dollars a year on health care. 

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

MONDAY

BANGOR, MAINE:
WHO:
Attorney General Aaron Frey
Ann Woloson, Consumers for Affordable Health Care
Marie Follayttar Smith, Mainers for Accountable Leadership
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Anne Shoup, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Pierce Park: 145 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401

WHEN: Monday, October 3, 2022 at 9:30 AM ET

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE:
WHO:
Hanan Babikir Bedri, NH Public Health Association
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Granite State Progress
Nancy Glynn, MomsRising
Joan Jacobs, breast cancer patient & senior on Medicare
Ansley Womble, health care advocate
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Prescott Park: 105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

WHEN: Monday, October 3, 2022 at 3:30 PM ET

TUESDAY

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE:
WHO:
U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH-02)
Hanan Babikir Bedri, NH Public Health Association
Gail Brown, NH Oral Health Coalition
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Granite State Progress
Lyn Lindpaintner, Kent Street
Lisa Beaudoin, ABLE NH
Nancy Glynn, MomsRising
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: New Hampshire State House: 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03303

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
WHO:
Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT)
Deby Gould, Access Health
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Leslie Dach, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Capitol Parking Lot

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

WEDNESDAY

SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA
WHO:
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)
U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08)
Robin Stelly (PHAN)
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Anne Shoup, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Lackawanna County Courthouse Square: 200 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503

WHEN: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
WHO:
Philadelphia City Councilwoman Helen Gym
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Anne Shoup, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Friends Center, 1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

WHEN: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 3:00 PM ET

THURSDAY

NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY
WHO:
U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06)
Laura Waddell NJ Citizen Action
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Buccleuch Park: 321 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10:30 AM ET

MARLTON, NEW JERSEY
WHO:
U.S. Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ-03)
Laura Waddell, NJ Citizen Action
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Civic Center, 984 Tuckerton Road

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

FRIDAY

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WHO:
State Rep. Summer Lee
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: City County Building Portico: 414 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
WHO:
Delegate Barbara Fleischauer
Delegate Danielle Walker
Delegate John Williams
Delegate Evan Hansen
Dr. Jessica Ice
Mindy Salango, Type-1 diabetic and Morgantown resident
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Mylan Park: 500 Mylan Park Ln., Morgantown, WV 26501

WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

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

TBA: October 31-November 4, 2022

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