Press Call Comes After Republicans File Briefs in Lawsuit to Eliminate ACA
LISTEN TO THE FULL RECORDING HERE
Raleigh, NC — Yesterday, Protect Our Care North Carolina was joined by Rep. David Price, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse, and patient advocates from across North Carolina on a press call to discuss the latest in President Trump’s efforts to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. On June 25, the Department of Justice and Republican-led states filed their briefs in the Supreme Court lawsuit to repeal the law and rip health care away from millions of North Carolinians. Democrats filed their briefs opposing the lawsuit in May. While Republicans continue to attack health care, House Democrats are working to expand access to quality, affordable health care in North Carolina and across the country. On June 29, the House of Representatives passed the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act” a landmark bill introduced and championed by House Democrats to improve health care for Americans by building on key provisions in the Affordable Care Act, including encouraging the expansion of Medicaid in states like North Carolina.
As COVID-19 cases continue to spike, it is more important than ever to protect North Carolinians’ access to health care. Dismantling the Affordable Care Act would leave communities even more vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our uninsured rate has fallen by 5% thanks to the Affordable Act,” said Congressman David Price, who is supporting the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act. “We could take that even lower by expanding Medicaid. Even ruby red Oklahoma voted to expand Medicaid last week. If they can do it we can. Let’s build on our progress”
“In the middle of a global pandemic, Senator Thom Tillis is supporting a lawsuit that would completely repeal the Affordable Care Act — ripping away health care from millions,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “It’s hard for me to fathom that if you’re a North Carolina voter, that you could entrust someone like that with another six years in office.”
“We’d be bankrupt. We’d lose everything. I don’t know how we’d pay for the drugs that allow me to breathe,” said Kara Konrad, a North Carolinian who relies on the Affordable Care Act. “My son needs me alive. My husband needs me alive.”
“If it wasn’t for the Affordable Care Act, I wouldn’t be here today,” said DonnaMarie Woodson. “I am so very blessed to be a five year survivor of cancer because the Affordable Care Act allowed me to pay for it.”
You can listen to a recording of the press call here.