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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 In 2017, Senator Johnson co-sponsored the Cassdiy-Graham-Heller-Johnson bill which would have repealed the Affordable Care Act, and was widely considered to be the worst of the repeal efforts.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.” 

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.”

***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

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.” 

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.

***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

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 16 AT 10:30 AM ET***

Concord, NH —  Today, December 16 at 10:30 AM ET, U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (D-NH-02), Granite State Progress, and local advocates will join Protect Our Care New Hampshire 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 landmark 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 Annie Kuster (D-NH-02)
Lucy Hodder, University of New Hampshire Law
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Granite State Progress
Mike Castaldo

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 10:30 AM ET

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

By Opposing Build Back Better, Republicans Rejected Lower Health Care Costs for American Families

Watch the Ads Here

Washington, DC — Protect Our Care is launching new digital ads today in eight key districts calling out Republican lawmakers for their votes against the Build Back Better Act. While American families are struggling with high costs, Republicans voted against reforms that will level the playing field for working families by lowering health insurance premiums and giving  Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices. 

The ads will run in the following districts: Ted Budd (R-NC-13), Steve Chabot (R-OH-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-26), Scott Perry (R-PA-10), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), David Schweikert (R-AZ-06), and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02).

“If Republicans had their way, drug prices would continue to skyrocket and millions of people would pay higher health insurance premiums, right when families need relief most,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “Thankfully, President Biden and Democrats are in charge, and they are committed to delivering lower costs for families struggling to make ends meet. It has never been more clear that Republicans are out of touch with the worries that keep families up at night, and they are willing to put their political goals above the well-being of the people they represent. We will do everything in our power to ensure Americans remember who stood by Big Pharma and special interests and who stood up for working families.” 

Example (PA-10) Ad Script: 

Everyone’s feeling it.

Costs keep going up and up. 

Health insurance and drug companies make record profits.

But, millions of Americans can’t keep up. 

And Congressman Scott Perry just voted AGAINST the Build Back Better Act which lowers health care costs for millions of families. 

Against the plan that gives Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices.

And against the plan that lowers health premiums by thousands of dollars. 

With everything people are dealing with right now, Congressman Perry voted for higher health care costs for you.

SHOT: Gallup Poll Finds “Surge” In Americans Struggling To Afford Health Care, With Nearly A Third Reporting They’ve Skipped Medical Care Due To Cost. “Nearly a third of Americans — triple the share since March— say they’ve skipped medical care for a health problem in the previous three months due to concerns about the cost, according to a new study from Gallup and West Health.” [CBS News, 12/14/21] 

CHASER: Because Of Build Back Better, Families Could Save Thousands Of Dollars In Health Care Costs Every Year. Build Back Better will lower premium costs, give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, cap insulin co-pays at $35 per month, extend hearing benefits to seniors so they can afford hearing aids, and extend affordable coverage to working families in states that have rejected Medicaid expansion. 

• A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 will save $1,389 in monthly premiums—more than $16,000 in savings a year.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to limit Medicare premium increases for millions of seniors caused by one greedy pharmaceutical company. CMS previously announced that it would raise Medicare Part B premiums in response to the unprecedented price tag of Biogen’s new Alzheimer’s drug, Aduhelm. The approval of Aduhelm has forced Medicare to establish a contingency reserve in the event Medicare decides to cover the medication. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“For far too long, Big Pharma’s greed has gone unchecked, and Americans from all walks of life have struggled to afford the drugs they need. Senator Wyden is right: seniors should not have to front the costs of an outrageously expensive, unproven drug. Big drug company executives should not be cashing in at the expense of millions of seniors struggling to afford their everyday health costs. Aduhelm’s high price tag only underscores the urgent need to pass the Build Back Better Act, which will lower costs, and ensure seniors are able to access the prescription drugs they need to live full and healthy lives.”