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HAPPENING SOON: Senator Hassan to Hold Virtual Roundtable on Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 AT 9:15 AM ET*** 

HAPPENING SOON: Senator Hassan to Hold Virtual Roundtable on Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

Washington, DC — On Tuesday, January 18 at 9:15 AM ET, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) will hold a virtual roundtable with patients and health care professionals in New Hampshire to discuss the urgent need for Congress to take action to lower the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs.

Senator Hassan is working across the aisle to lower health care costs for Granite Staters and Americans. Senator Hassan led successful, bipartisan efforts with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to put in place protections to help end the practice of surprise medical billing, which is now in effect. Senators Hassan and Cassidy also successfully passed into law their bipartisan legislation to enhance education about biosimilar drug products in an effort to increase competition and lower drug costs. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan, which Senator Hassan helped pass into law, is helping to lower health care costs for many Granite Staters who purchase health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

 As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hassan also advanced bipartisan legislation in 2019 to lower prescription drugs costs by enacting a cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries and cracking down on pharmaceutical companies that raise drug prices higher than inflation. The Senator also joined in reintroducing The Affordable Medications Act, which would help reduce health care costs for Granite Staters who rely on Medicare by increasing competition and transparency for drug companies that are setting exorbitant prices on their products, and allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices.  

PRESS CALL:

WHO:
Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Heather Carroll, Advocacy Director at NH Alliance for Healthy Aging
Jay Gupta, Director of Pharmacy and Integrative Health at Harbor Care in Nashua
Beverly Cotton, patiently storyteller from Weare
Leah Stagnone, Community Organizer for ABLE NH and patient storyteller from Litchfield

 WHAT: Senator Hassan to Hold Virtual Roundtable on Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

WHEN: Tuesday, January 18 at 9:15 AM ET

WHERE: Send Email to Register for the Event

Rep. Lauren Underwood and Health Advocates Join Protect Our Care to Discuss Importance of Lower Health Care Costs Ahead of Open Enrollment Deadline

Watch the Full Event Here

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Covered California’s Peter Lee, and Illinois-based storyteller Audree Hall joined Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference to give a final push for health care enrollment ahead of the January 15 deadline. A record 13.8 million people have signed up for coverage through the ACA marketplaces thanks in large part to the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced premium tax credits, which were championed by Rep. Underwood. The enhanced tax credits dramatically lowered the cost of coverage for working families, allowing four out of five eligible enrollees to find a plan for $10 or less per month.

During the call, speakers conveyed the importance of Americans taking advantage of lower health care costs by enrolling in coverage in 2022. Speakers also urged the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act, which passed the House in November, in order to make the enhanced premium tax credits permanent to drive down health care costs for families and expand coverage to millions of Americans.  

“The American people have sent a clear message this Open Enrollment period: when coverage is affordable, people enroll in record numbers. My Health Care Affordability Act, which was signed into law as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, has made coverage truly affordable for millions of individuals and families across the country,” said U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14). “I encourage all Americans who need health coverage to visit HealthCare.gov to enroll in a plan before the enrollment deadline this Saturday, January 15th.”

“Coverage means that you’re staying healthy and getting primary care. If you’re uninsured, you’re walking out of the hospital with a debt that costs more than a mortgage,” said Peter Lee, Executive Director of Covered California. “Millions of people are signing up for coverage because the American Rescue Plan helped make coverage more affordable than ever. It’s time for Congress to pass Build Back Better because it extends the expansions of the American Rescue Plan for three years. If we don’t lock those in, many people signing up today will drop coverage over the long term.”

“I lost my job. I have been the primary health care provider in my home, and the pandemic hits. What point in time do you decide to pay your mortgage or pay a health care premium?” said Audree Hall, a health care storyteller from Lake County. “I’m beyond grateful that the American Rescue Plan passed, and for those who have not signed up, check out the marketplace — there are options for you that you didn’t think you had before, that cover things you didn’t think it covered. It was life-changing for me. Please pass the Build Back Better bill and extend it for three years.”

“Thanks to health care champions like Congresswoman Underwood, millions of Americans are able to afford high-quality health coverage,” said Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care. “The success of the 2022 open enrollment period only shows how essential it is that the Senate work quickly to pass the Build Back Better Act to make these enhanced premium tax credits permanent and ensure that families have access to the health care they need during the pandemic and beyond.”

PRESS CALL: Ahead of Open Enrollment Deadline, Rep. Lauren Underwood to Join Protect Our Care to Discuss Importance of Lower Health Care Costs and Urge Enrollment 

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 AT 11:30 AM ET // 10:30 AM CT***

Call Will Convey the Importance of Ensuring Americans Sign-Up for Lower Health Care Coverage and the Need to Make Rep. Underwood’s Enhanced Premium Subsidies Permanent 

Washington, DC — On Thursday, January 13 at 11:30 AM ET // 10:30 AM CT, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and health care advocates will join Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference ahead of the January 15 open enrollment deadline. A record 13.8 million people have signed up for coverage through the ACA marketplaces thanks in large part to the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced premium tax credits, which were championed by Rep. Underwood and allowed four out of five eligible enrollees to find a plan for $10 or less per month. The House-passed Build Back Better Act would make these tax credits permanent, driving down health care costs for families and expanding coverage to millions of Americans.  Congresswoman Underwood will speak to the importance of Americans taking advantage of lower health care costs and enroll for coverage in 2022. 

As Americans enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more urgent time to ensure families can get the health care they need. Polling shows strong, unwavering support among voters across the political spectrum for the Build Back Better health care priorities. The House-passed Build Back Better Act would make these tax credits permanent, driving down health care costs for families and expanding coverage to millions of Americans. It is essential that the Senate work quickly to pass the Build Back Better Act to level the playing field for working families and lower insurance premiums and prescription drug costs, improve care for seniors, and expand health coverage to millions nationwide. 

PRESS CALL:

WHO:
U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14)
Peter Lee, Executive Director of Covered California
Audree Hall, health care storyteller from Lake County
Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care

WHAT: Virtual Press Conference to Discuss Urgent Need to Lower Health Costs & Expand Coverage In Build Back Better Act

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

WHEN: Thursday, January 13 at 11:30 AM ET // 10:30 AM CT

TODAY: West Virginia Health Care Advocates to Discuss Health Provisions in Build Back Better Act and Call for Immediate Passage in the Senate

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 AT 11:00 AM ET***

Charleston, WV —  Today, January 11 at 11:00 AM ET, local health care advocates will join Protect Our Care West Virginia to discuss the House passage of the Build Back Better Act, the most significant expansion of affordable health care since the Affordable Care Act

After months of negotiation, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) indicated that he now opposes this legislation. If Senator Manchin fails to support the legislation, he is fighting against lower drug prices, lower health care costs, and improved care for millions of seniors and working families. During the call, speakers will stress the urgent need for Sen. Manchin and the Senate to move quickly to pass the bill so millions of Americans can finally afford the health care they need.

VIRTUAL EVENT:

WHO:
Dr. Jessica Ice, West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare
Ryan Frankenberry, West Virginia Working Families Party
Mindy Salango, Patient Advocate
Lynette Maselli, Protect Our Care West Virginia

WHAT: Virtual Press Conference to Discuss Health Provisions in Build Back Better Act and Call for Immediate Passage in the Senate 

WHEN: Tuesday, January 11 at 11:00 AM ET

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

FACT SHEET: Senator Ron Johnson’s Abysmal Record On Health Care and Covid-19 Disqualifies Him For Another Term in the Senate

Senator Ron Johnson’s record on health care and fighting COVID-19 is as abysmal as they come and disqualify him for another term in the U.S. Senate. Over the years, Ron Johnson voted to rip health care coverage from 416,600 Wisconsinites and strip protections from 2.4 million Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions. Senator Johnson opposes provisions before Congress that would lower drug prices, expand coverage, improve care for seniors, and level the playing field for working families — policies that are supported by Wisconsonites from all walks of life. Senator Johnson has repeatedly spread disinformation about vaccines and undermined our response efforts. Republicans like Senator Johnson are completely out of touch with the economic and health worries that keep families up at night as they continue to put industry profits ahead of their constituents. Wisconsin voters are sick and tired of Ron Johnson’s dangerous antics.

Blocking Health Care And Relief for Wisconsinites

Senator Johnson Is In The Pocket Of Big Pharma. It is no wonder why Senator Johnson is so opposed to Build Back Better, which includes historic provisions to rein in pharmaceutical companies and lower the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. Since taking office in 2011, Ron Johnson has received $250,464 in contributions from pharmaceutical PACs and executives. 

Senator Johnson Was A Leader In Efforts To Repeal The Affordable Care Act. In 2017, Senator Johnson co-sponsored the Cassdiy-Graham-Heller-Johnson bill which would have repealed the Affordable Care Act, and was widely considered to be the worst of the repeal efforts. Had Senator Johnson been successful, his bill would have dismantled Medicaid expansion, eliminated the Affordable Care Act tax credits, capped and cut Medicaid funding — permanently transforming the program into a per capita program, and caused millions of Americans to lose coverage and protections for pre-existing conditions. 

Senator Johnson’s Reckless Policies Would Have Harmed Wisconsinites. Senator Johnson repeatedly voted to rip coverage from 416,600 Wisconsinites who gained coverage under the Affordable Care Act. His actions would have also stripped protections from 2.4 million Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions.

Senator Johnson Has Been Front And Center On The Most Outlandish ACA Attacks. In 2014, Senator Ron Johnson filed a lawsuit challenging a rule allowing lawmakers and their staff to continue to receive a government contribution toward premiums, but only if they enroll in a specific ACA plan. The Justice Department asked that the lawsuit be dismissed due to the fact Johnson was not “directly injured” by the regulation and therefore had no legal standing to sue. Johnson continued with the suit despite pleas from the Republican delegation in his own state to stop the scarade. Johnson also disclosed that he was planning to use his campaign account to raise funds for the suit, clearly demonstrating the political motive driving his actions. 

Even After The Republican Party Moved On, Senator Johnson Refused To Stop ACA Repeal Efforts. Senator Johnson has repeatedly demonstrated that he is an extremist within his party, refusing to move on after defeat. After Republicans could not muster the votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017, Senator Johnson said he remained hopeful that the Cassidy-Graham-Heller-Johnson bill would pass. 

Senator Johnson Prioritized Eliminating Protections For People With Pre-Existing Conditions. Senator Johnson was determined to eliminate one of the most popular aspects of the Affordable Care Act — its protections for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions — arguing that insurance companies should not be forced to cover people regardless of their health status. Johnson even went so far as to claim covering individuals with pre-existing conditions would collapse the health care system, stating, “We know what caused premiums to increase…th[e] guaranteed issue [of health insurance] collapses markets.”

Senator Johnson Has Fought To Cut Health Care For The Elderly, Disabled, And Children. In 2017, Senator Johnson claimed that Medicaid expansion put at risk “traditional Medicaid for the elderly, disabled and children.” The real threat to traditional Medicaid existed in the years-long Republican repeal efforts which worked to gut the program and turn it into a “per capita” program. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found the Senate repeal bill Johnson backed would have cut Medicaid by $756 billion over the following decade, and another estimate found it would have cut Medicaid by more than $2 trillion over the following 20 years, or more than one-third. 

Senator Johnson Voted Against The American Rescue Plan And Relief For Thousands Of Wisconsin Families. Alongside all of his Republican colleagues, Ron Johnson voted against the American Rescue Plan, historic legislation which provided measures to expand coverage and to dramatically lower health care costs for thousands of Wisconsin families. In addition to providing critical pandemic relief, the ARP lowers premiums for people purchasing coverage through the marketplaces and expands access to financial assistance for more middle-class families.  

Senator Johnson Tried To Blame The Opioid Crisis On The Affordable Care Act. Stooping to a new low, Senator Johnson claimed that Medicaid expansion created the opioid epidemic. Despite the fact that the CDC declared the opioid crisis an epidemic in 2011, three years prior to Medicaid expansion, Johnson attempted to draw a nonexistent connection between affordable health care and increased substance abuse. 

COVID-19 Misinformation

Senator Ron Johnson Downplayed Vaccines Against Natural Immunity, Asking Why We Think We Science Could Make Something Better That Works Better Than God. The latest in a series of highly bizarre and scientifically dubious comments from Senator Johnson came last week on the Vicki McKenna radio show. Senator Ron Johnson asked, “Why do we think that we can create something better than God in terms of combating disease? Why do we assume that the body’s natural immune system isn’t the marvel that it really is?” When the comments drew sharp criticism, Senator Johnson responded, saying “I won’t apologize for being in awe of creation or for the assumption that immunity from COVID infection might outperform immunity created in a lab. Unfortunately, the vaccines aren’t as safe or effective as we hoped.”

Senator Johnson Falsely Claimed Unvaccinated People Are Being Put Into ‘Internment Camps’. In yet another disingenuous attempt to misrepresent COVID-19 safety measures, Senator Johnson recently said “I’m going to actually utilize my own freedom, my own health autonomy, and I’m going to choose not to get the vaccine, and now we are demonizing those people. Around the world, they’re putting them basically into internment camps. What is going on?’…When Johnson was asked to clarify this claim, his office said he was referencing a COVID-19 quarantine site in Australia that requires residents returning from international travel to quarantine for two weeks and produce a negative COVID-19 test. 

Senator Ron Johnson Has Refused To Get Vaccinated And Continues To Spread Disinformation. Senator Johnson has become notorious over the course of the pandemic for making outrageous, misleading, and blatantly false claims about COVID-19, even going so far as to accuse public health experts of withholding information about the ‘dangers’ of COVID-19 vaccines from the American people. “But the information he provides in media appearances, ostensibly to fill in the gaps, is highly suspect. Take this interview with a conservative radio host in Wisconsin. The senator was asked how many people have died after getting vaccinated against the coronavirus, which causes the disease covid-19. He cited data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and suggested the death count was above 3,000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says this data does not establish cause and effect between coronavirus vaccinations and reported deaths. A range of experts on immunology told [The Washington Post] Johnson was misusing the data and exaggerating the known risks of getting the shot.” 

After More Than a Decade Against Health Care for Wisconsinites, Sen. Ron Johnson Wants Six More Years

Highlights from Senator Johnson’s 11-Year Tenure Include Fighting to Prolong the Pandemic & Raise Health Care Costs

Washington, DC – According to multiple sources, Senator Ron Johnson intends to announce his bid for reelection for the U.S. Senate. Just this week, Senator Johnson continued to push disinformation about COVID-19, downplaying the effectiveness of vaccines and suggesting science can’t “create something better than God” to fight the virus. Senator Johnson was a prominent voice in the fight to destroy the Affordable Care Act, raise health care costs, and rip coverage from families.  In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“Senator Ron Johnson’s record on health care and spreading COVID-19 misinformation is as abysmal as they come. Over the years, Ron Johnson voted to rip coverage from 416,600 Wisconsinites and strip protections from 2.4 million Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions. Senator Johnson opposes provisions before Congress that would lower drug prices, expand coverage, improve care for seniors, and level the playing field for working families — policies that are supported by Wisconsonites from all walks of life. Republicans like Senator Johnson are completely out of touch with the economic and health worries that keep families up at night as they continue to put industry profits ahead of their constituents. Wisconsin voters are sick and tired of Ron Johnson’s dangerous antics and will undoubtedly reject his disastrous health care agenda in November.”

TODAY: WV Advocates Call on Senator Manchin to Do the Right Thing, Pass Build Back Better Act to Lower Drug Costs for West Virginians

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 AT 11:00 AM ET***

The Build Back Better Act Will Lower Health Care Costs for Millions of People; Joe Manchin Should Help Pass the Legislation Without Delay

Charleston, West Virginia — On Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM, health care and patient advocates will join Protect Our Care West Virginia to discuss the urgent need to pass the Build Back Better Act. After months of negotiation, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) indicated that he now opposes this legislation. If Senator Manchin fails to support Build Back Better, he is fighting against lower drug prices, lower health care costs, and improved care for millions of seniors and working families. Health care is a fundamental part of the Build Back Better agenda, and the plans to reduce costs and expand care are the top issues for voters. It is urgent that Senator Manchin vote to pass this legislation.

Senator Manchin has long said he wants to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices for American families. Now is the time to do it. Build Back Better drives down prescription drug prices, caps insulin costs, lowers health insurance premiums, and expands coverage to millions of Americans. For West Virginians, the Build Back Better Act would mean knowing they will be able to afford the medications they need to stay alive. Joe Manchin cannot turn his back on families who are depending on this relief. The fight isn’t over. President Biden said he is committed to helping Americans with their child care, health care, prescription drug costs, and elder care. The fight for Build Back Better is too important to give up. 

WHO

Mindy Salango – Type 1 Diabetic and patient advocate

Dr. Jessica Ice – Executive Director, West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare

Stormy Johnson – Mother

Lynette Maselli – Protect Our Care, West Virginia

WHAT: Virtual Press Conference

WHEN: Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM ET

WHERE: Register to Join the Zoom Event Here

More Than 4.6 Million Americans Gained Coverage Thanks to President Biden

Washington, DC — Today, the Biden administration announced that more than 4.6 million Americans have gained coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) this year. Now, ACA enrollment is at an all time high after 13.6 million Americans signed up for coverage between November 1 and December 15 – and with the deadline extended to January 15, even more families are expected to enroll in affordable coverage. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“More than 4.6 million people now have health coverage thanks to President Biden’s leadership. In a total reversal from the previous administration’s health care agenda, President Biden took immediate action to make health care more affordable and get more Americans covered. Between opening a special enrollment period and signing the American Rescue Plan into law, millions of working families are finally able to access quality, affordable coverage – many with zero-dollar premiums. This means 4.6 million people can sleep easier at night knowing they will not go bankrupt in the event of an illness or accident. And this is just the beginning: the Build Back Better Act will drive down health care and prescription drug prices and ensure millions of families have the health care they need.” 

RADIO AD: Health Care Advocate Mindy Salango Calls on Senator Manchin to Keep His Promise and Deliver Lower Drug Prices Now

Morgantown Resident and Type I Diabetic Mindy Salango Shares Her Story to Show Why West Virginians Are Counting on Senator Manchin to Pass Build Back Better Act 

Listen to the Radio Ad Here

Morgantown, WV — Protect Our Care announced a radio ad going up in West Virginia today calling for U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) to do the right thing and support the Build Back Better Act for lower prescription drug prices. The ad features Mindy Salango, a Morgantown resident who suffers from Type I diabetes, explaining that because West Virginians pay three times more for drugs than people in other countries, patients like her are struggling to afford the medications they need to survive. Mindy makes clear that the Build Back Better Act, which gives Medicare the power to negotiate, is the solution to the broken drug pricing system.

The ad comes as Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) indicated that he opposes the Build Back Better Act after months of negotiations. If Senator Manchin fails to support the Build Back Better Act, he is fighting against lower drug prices, lower health care costs, and improved care for millions of seniors and working families. The ad will run statewide.

“For patients like Mindy Salango, the Build Back Better Act would mean knowing she can afford the insulin she needs to stay alive. Joe Manchin cannot turn his back on her and the countless other West Virginia families who are depending on the Build Back Better Act,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “This fight is not over. Senator Manchin has said publicly that giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices is not only good policy, but the right thing to do. Now, it’s time for him to get Build Back Better over the finish line so millions of Americans no longer have to worry about affording their medications.” 

Script for “Mindy” Ad (60s):

Too many West Virginians wake up everyday and have to make a heartbreaking choice: 

Should I pay the rent or should I pay for my medication that keeps me alive? 

My name is Mindy Salango and I’m a Type 1 diabetic.

Even though I have health insurance, I still spend about $350 every month paying for my prescription medications, insulin and other diabetes supplies I need to stay healthy and alive.

The thought of not being able to afford my medication is terrifying.

West Virginians are suffering because of high prescription drug costs. We pay 3-times more than people in other countries for the same drugs. It doesn’t have to be this way. 

Congress can give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices for West Virginia families.

Senator Manchin has told us he’s with us on this.  Now, we’re counting on him to get it done.

TODAY: Reps. Judy Chu and Sara Jacobs Join Health Care Advocates to Discuss Historic Health Provisions in Build Back Better Act and Call for Immediate Passage in the Senate 

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 16 AT 1:00 PM ET // 10:00 AM PT***

Concord, NH —  Today, December 16 at 1:00 PM ET // 10:00 AM PT U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA-27) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), and local advocates will join Protect Our Care California to discuss the House passage of the Build Back Better Act, the most significant expansion of affordable health care since the Affordable Care Act

The historic legislation includes measures to deliver relief to American families by lowering insurance premiums, giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, expanding affordable coverage to millions by closing the Medicaid coverage gap, expanding Medicare benefits, and investing $150 billion in home care for seniors and people with disabilities. During the call, speakers will stress the urgent need for the Senate to move quickly to pass the bill so millions of Americans can finally afford the health care they need.

VIRTUAL EVENT: 

WHO:
U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA-27)
U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)
Anthony Wright, Health Access California
Rachel Compton, Nurse at UC San Diego Health
Protect Our Care California

WHAT: Virtual Press Conference to Discuss Historic Health Provisions in Build Back Better Act and Call for Immediate Passage in the Senate 

WHEN: Thursday, December 16 at 1:00 PM ET // 10:00 AM PT

WHERE: Register for the Event Here