News

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022***

Care Force One Rolls into Milwaukee and Green Bay for Nationwide Bus Tour Celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act

Watch the Events Here. 

Wisconsin — Today, Governor Tony Evers (D-WI), U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, and Attorney General Josh Kaul will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for events in Milwaukee and Green Bay 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. 

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

WHO: 
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes
Attorney General Josh Kaul
Milwaukee residents
Laura Packard, National Health Care Advocate

WHERE: Care Force One, Sherman Phoenix 3536 W. Fond du Lac Avenue, Milwaukee

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12th at 9:30am CT

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN

WHO: 
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
Vik V., NE Wisconsin Resident
Dr. Kristin Lyerly, MD/MPH
Laura Packard, National Health Care Advocate

WHERE: Care Force One, Leicht Memorial Park, 128 Dousman St., Green Bay

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12 at 3:00pm CT

President Biden Finalizes Measure to Strengthen the ACA and Lower Health Care Costs for Working Families

Washington, DC — Today, the Biden administration issued a final rule to fix the “family glitch,”  which has blocked millions of families from accessing affordable coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. The Biden administration’s rule will expand coverage and lower health care costs for more than one million Americans. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“The Affordable Care Act is the gift that keeps on giving. Fixing the family glitch is just the latest example of how the Biden administration’s commitment to strengthening the ACA is increasing coverage, lowering costs and addressing health equity. Working families across the country will save hundreds of dollars a month on health insurance, dramatically increasing the number of insured Americans and giving them more room to pay for other necessities like food, gas, and rent. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have already announced their opposition to this commonsense measure and virtually every other step that the Biden administration has taken to make health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable. Fortunately, President Biden has not stopped delivering on his promise to lower costs, improve care, and put the needs of families first.” 

BACKGROUND:

The “Family Glitch” Impacts Millions of Americans. Millions of Americans qualify for affordable employer health coverage and are therefore not eligible for ACA premium savings on the Marketplace. However, as workers add dependents onto their health coverage, premiums rise, pushing the total cost of health coverage far beyond the percentage of income stipulated by the ACA. Because of the Family Glitch, workers are not eligible to receive premium subsidies through a Marketplace plan. the family glitch and it is estimated to impact more than five million Americans. 

Fixing The Family Glitch Benefits Children & Improves Health Equity. Of the estimated 5.1 million Americans in the family glitch, the vast majority are relatively low-income and 2.8 million are children who are not eligible for CHIP. This puts families in the terrible situation of having to choose between health insurance for their children and other necessities. Lack of affordability continues to be a significant barrier to health coverage and an obstacle that must be addressed to reduce health inequities. Fixing the family glitch will especially help people of color, rural Americans, and low-income families access the health care they need. 

Families Could Save Hundreds Of Dollars Per Month. A Health Affairs study estimated Americans in the family glitch pay an average of 15.8 percent of their income towards health premiums, nearly double what is permitted under the ACA. President Biden has proposed a rule that would eliminate the family glitch and allow families to purchase affordable coverage on the Marketplace with premium tax credits. Under this rule, 200,000 uninsured Americans would gain coverage and many families would save hundreds of dollars each much on health premiums.

Protect Our Care’s Nationwide Bus Tour Celebrates The Inflation Reduction Act’s Historic Measures to Drive Down Health Care Costs for Ohioans

WATCH THE EVENT HERE 

CLEVELAND, OH — Today, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One bus arrived in Cleveland and was joined by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care measures will increase access and lower costs, reduce racial inequities, strengthen families, and save lives. During the event, Sen. Brown, Rep. Brown, and Cleveland community leaders, health care advocates, and seniors discussed how the bill will lower prescription drug prices, lower premiums, and increase access to health care.

“Because of the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act – we’re making sure hardworking families are getting the help they need,” said Sen. Brown. “We’re making health care more affordable, we’re helping to curb the cost of prescription drugs and we’re finally taking on the drug companies to lower drug prices. We know prescription drugs are some of the most overpriced goods many Ohioans are forced to pay for each month.”

“We are capping costs and putting money back into people’s pockets,” said Rep. Brown, who outlined how the law will help families in Ohio’s 11th Congressional District. “No one in the wealthiest country in the world should have to choose between putting food on the table and affording their medications to survive. We are fighting to take care of Americans and making sure they have a better quality of life. We have the Inflation Reduction Act to thank, along with the Biden-Harris Administration and Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate.”

“Thanks to President Biden, Democrats in Congress, and the leadership of Congresswoman Shontel Brown – who happens to be my Congresswoman – and with the leadership of the best Senator in the United States, Sherrod Brown, many Americans will get much needed relief with this act,” said Steve Lieber, a Cleveland senior, former organized labor leader and retiree. “And this all happened with no help from Republicans, who stood with Big Pharma.”

“The Affordable Care Act saved my life,” said Laura Packard. “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 ACA that paid for the chemotherapy and radiation that I needed. 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.” 

In addition to Sen. Brown, Rep. Brown, Lieber and Packard, the event featured Yvonka Hall, the Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition. A recording of the event is available here.

For more information on the “Lower Costs, Better Care” tour, please visit protectourcare.org/bus-tour/.

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One is making 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
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 7, 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
Boulder/Fort Collins, 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
###

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022***

Care Force One Rolls into Lansing and Flint on Tuesday, October 11th as Part of Nationwide “Lower Cost, Better Care” Tour

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Michigan – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and local elected officials will join health care advocates and local residents in stops in Lansing and Flint, Michigan 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 the October 11 events, speakers will discuss how the bill can help reduce costs for Michiganders, including seniors, people with disabilities, people of color, and rural Americans. 

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.

FLINT, MI

WHO:
Rep. John Cherry (D-MI-49)
Linda Hamacher, Genesee County senior citizen and President Emeritus of the Genesee Health Plan
Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, interim President/CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition
Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor

WHERE: Care Force One, Flint Farmer’s Market, 300 East First St., Flint (at the intersection of 1st and Wallenberg streets)

WHEN: Tuesday, October 11 at 10:30 AM

LANSING, MI

WHO:
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08)
Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical
Eric Schneidewind, Delta Township resident and senior on Medicare

WHERE: Care Force One, corner of Allegan and Walnut streets, southwest of Michigan Capitol

WHEN: Tuesday, October 11 at 2:30 PM

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

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2022 AT 2:30PM ET***

Care Force One Rolls into Cleveland on Monday, October 10th as Part of Nationwide “Lower Cost, Better Care” Tour

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Cleveland, OH — U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) will join health care advocates and Cleveland 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. 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.

WHO:
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11)
Yvonka Hall, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition
Elaine Gohlstin, Cleveland senior
Steve Lieber, Cleveland senior, former organized labor leader and retiree
Laura Packard, storyteller

WHERE: In front of Care Force One at The Free Stamp/Willard Park, corner of East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue.

WHEN: Monday, October 10, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

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

U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin, and Tina Smith (D-MN), U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Dean Phillips (D-MN-03), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08), and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Governor Tony Evers (D-WI), and Lt. Governor. Mandela Barnes (WI) Will Headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” Events in Six States

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington, DC — On the second 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

COLUMBUS, OHIO: 

WHO:
Commissioner Erica Crawley
Norm Wernet, Ohio State Director, Alliance for Retired Americans
Desiree Tims, President & CEO, Innovation Ohio
Sue Foley, Franklin County senior advocate
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Jada Campbell, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Columbus City Hall: 90 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

WHEN: Monday, October 10, 2022 at 9:00 AM ET

CLEVELAND, OHIO:

WHO:
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
U.S. Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH-11)
Yvonka Hall, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition
Elaine Gohlstin, Cleveland senior
Steve Lieber, Cleveland senior
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Willard Park/Free Stamp Plaza: 601 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114

WHEN: Monday, October 10, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

TUESDAY

FLINT, MICHIGAN:

WHO:
State Rep. John Cherry
Linda Hamacher, Genesee County senior citizen and President Emeritus of the Genesee Health Plan
Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, Interim President/CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate  

WHERE: Flint Farmers Market: 300 E. First St, Flint, MI 48502

WHEN: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM ET

LANSING, MICHIGAN: 

WHO:
U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08)
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical
Eric Schneidewind, Delta Township resident and senior on Medicare
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Care Free Medical Lansing: 1100 W Saginaw St Suite 5, Lansing, MI 48915

WHEN: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

WEDNESDAY

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: 

WHO:
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
Lt. Governor. Mandela Barnes
Attorney General Josh Kaul
David M., Milwaukee resident
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Sherman Phoenix: 3536 W Fond Du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53216

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 9:30 AM CT

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN: 

WHO:
Governor Tony Evers (D-WI)
Vik V., NE Wisconsin Resident
Dr. Kristin Lyerly, MD/MPH
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Leicht Memorial Park: 128 Dousman St, Green Bay, WI 54303

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 3:00 PM CT

THURSDAY

EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN: 

WHO:
State Senator Brad Pfaff
State Representative Sara Rodriguez
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Brick House Pub: 2233 Birch St, Eau Claire, WI 54703

WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM CT

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA: 

WHO:
U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
U.S. Representative. Angie Craig (D-MN-02)
U.S. Representative Dean Phillips (D-MN-03)
MNSure CEO Nate Clark
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155

WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM CT

FRIDAY

DES MOINES, IOWA: 

WHO:

Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: Iowa State Capitol: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2022

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS: 

WHO:
U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03)
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: 

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2022 at 3:30 PM CT

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
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 7, 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, Kansas 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
Boulder/Fort Collins, 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/

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?’”

***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