News

***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/

Medicaid Initiatives in Massachusetts and Oregon Will Expand Coverage, Address Hunger and Housing Needs, and Create Healthier Communities

Washington DC — Yesterday, the Biden-Harris administration approved two Medicaid waivers to expand health care coverage and reduce inequities in care. The waiver in Oregon guarantees continuous Medicaid coverage for children through the age of six. In Massachusetts, the Biden-Harris administration approved a waiver expanding coverage to vulnerable groups, including homeless individuals, postpartum people, and those recently released from correctional facilities. Both waivers will also help address unmet social needs, including nutrition and housing. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“The initiatives approved by the Biden-Harris administration will pave the way for healthier people and communities. By expanding health care coverage, taking steps to combat hunger and housing instability, and addressing other unmet social needs, these waivers will improve health outcomes for thousands of families across Massachusetts and Oregon. Expanding Medicaid coverage is a proven way to reduce racial inequities in health care, strengthen families, and save lives. This is just the latest health care victory from the Biden-Harris administration: between stopping surprise billing, strengthening maternal care, and lowering premium and prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden has made health care more accessible, affordable, and equitable for the American people.”

Washington DC — Today, President Biden delivered remarks on his administration’s successful efforts to drive down health care costs for the American people. During the event, President Biden celebrated the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and its game-changing prescription drug and premium savings. The speech comes after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that Medicare Part B premiums will see the first decline in more than a decade, benefiting millions of seniors and people with disabilities across the country. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“The announcement from CMS on lower Medicare premiums is only the latest achievement in a long line of health care victories from President Biden and Democrats in Congress. By signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law, President Biden has delivered lower prescription drug costs and ACA premiums for millions of families. The administration has also taken critical steps to stop surprise billing, strengthen maternal care and reduce racial disparities in our health care system. Taken together, these actions mean seniors and families could save thousands of dollars a year on health care beginning as soon as next year. While Republicans want to rip away health care and dismantle essential programs like Medicare and Social Security, Democrats are standing up for middle class families and delivering long-overdue relief.” 

Washington DC — Yesterday, the Biden-Harris administration approved extending Medicaid postpartum coverage for 12 months in North Carolina. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, another 28,000 people will become eligible for affordable health care thanks to the American Rescue Plan’s provision to strengthen maternal health coverage. Now, every year, more than 360,000 Americans in 24 states and D.C. will be eligible for Medicaid coverage 12 months postpartum. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“Extending Medicaid postpartum coverage means making health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable for families. Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, tens of thousands of Americans will now have access to lifesaving maternal health care. This is a critical step in fighting the maternal mortality crisis and eliminating racial disparities within our health care system, particularly for Black mothers and their babies. More than a dozen states have refused to take advantage of this option, leaving too many mothers without basic care. It’s time for every state to take action now to save lives.”   

Background:

15 States Have Refused To Expand Postpartum Medicaid For A Year After Birth. The 15 states that have failed to expand Medicaid to cover postpartum coverage for a year after birth include five states that haven’t adopted Medicaid expansion and eleven states that banned abortion. Almost all have Republican governors. Policies in these Republican held and gridlock states put new mothers at severe risk to lose stable and consistent coverage during a period of medical vulnerability.

Access To Care Is Essential At Every Stage. There is an urgent need for quality, affordable health coverage prior to, during, and after giving birth. While 48 percent of maternal deaths occur during pregnancy and delivery, more than half, 52 percent, occur in the year following the birth of a child. 12 percent of maternal deaths are deemed ‘late’, occurring between six weeks and one year following delivery, demonstrating the immense need for continuous health access and coverage for a minimum of one year following the birth of a child.

More Than Four In 10 Births Are Covered By Medicaid. In 2018, 42 percent of births were financed by Medicaid, with 40 percent or more births covered by the program in 25 states. Rates varied across the nation, with 61 percent of births financed by Medicaid in Louisiana, and 22 percent in Utah. In the 12 states that have refused Medicaid expansion, eight had more than 40 percent of births covered by Medicaid. Medicaid covers 65 percent of all births to Black mothers.

Washington DC — Tomorrow, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is set to release House Republicans’ “Commitment to America” agenda. No matter what claims they might make, the House Republican agenda is clear and includes dangerous measures to hike prescription drug costs and gut Medicare and Social Security for millions of seniors. Already, Republicans have promised that if they take control of Congress, they intend to repeal the Affordable Care Act, dismantle protections for people with pre-existing conditions, sunset Medicare and Medicaid, and hike drug and health care costs for millions of working families. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“If Republicans take control of the House, it will be harder for American families to go to the doctor or pay the bills if they get sick. Republicans will raise costs for seniors and families, they will go back to a time where people with pre-existing conditions paid more, and they will keep siding with Big Pharma and insurance companies. 

“Every Republican in Congress voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, and now they are promising to repeal the entire law, including its groundbreaking prescription drug and premium savings. Republican lawmakers unanimously oppose capping insulin costs, strengthening care for seniors, and other commonsense measures to make health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable. Some things never change: Republicans want to repeal the Affordable Care Act, gut Medicare and Social Security, raise costs, ditch critical protections, and put profits over patients — and nothing Kevin McCarthy says tomorrow will change that.” 

The Real Republican Health Care Plan

• Shut Down The Government To Force The Repeal Of Lower Drug Prices And Premiums: Republican leaders have openly said they want to shut down the entire government to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and impose higher drug costs and premiums on the American people. Rep. Chip Roy said Republicans should shut down the government “on day one” of the new Congress to force repeal, and his colleague Rep. Bob Good agreed, claiming that “gridlock is a good thing” compared to the law. And Sen. Rick Scott, who leads GOP efforts to win the Senate, has also threatened to use any Republican majority to force a repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act. 
  • Repealing The Inflation Reduction Act Will Harm People of Color, People With Disabilities, And Rural Communities. Republicans’ plan to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act will harm millions of Americans who are benefiting from the bill, including nearly 6 million Medicare beneficiaries of color. Black Medicare beneficiaries are 1.5 times more likely than White beneficiaries to have trouble affording medications, and about two times as likely to not fill needed prescriptions due to cost. Americans who suffer from chronic conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease also benefit greatly from drug pricing provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. A repeal would mean Americans with disabilities and chronic conditions would continue to pay thousands of dollars a year for necessary medications for treatment. The insulin cap for Medicare beneficiaries included in the Inflation Reduction Act particularly benefits America’s rural communities. Rural Americans are 17 percent more likely to suffer from diabetes than urban Americans. Diabetes risk factors are higher in rural areas than their urban and suburban counterparts as they have less access to health care providers, fewer transportation options to receive care, and higher rates of being uninsured. 
• Repeal The ACA: Republicans would also use a Congressional majority to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Just days ago Rep. Scott Perry, the chair of the powerful House Freedom Caucus, was asked whether Republicans would repeal the ACA if they gained a majority. Perry responded, “We’re going to have to absolutely take a look at it if we’re going to help working class Americans be able to afford to stay healthy.”
• End Medicare As We Know It: NRSC Chairman Sen. Rick Scott has rolled out a disastrous agenda for a Republican Senate majority that includes “sunsetting” every federal law after five years – this would include the Affordable Care Act and its protections for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions as well as the crucial lifelines of Social Security and Medicare. Sen. Ron Johnson goes even further and proposes ending Medicare as an entitlement and instead subjecting the program to the annual appropriations process. Scott and Johnson’s catastrophic plans to remake Medicare and put seniors’ health at risk have support from many Republican candidates for office who support privatizing Medicare and Social Security and slashing funding.