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IN THE STATES: Protect Our Care Calls for Action to Lower Health Care Costs Ahead of the State of the Union Address

By March 1, 2022No Comments

U.S. Representatives Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Susan Wild (PA-07) Headlined Events in Arizona, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia

Ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union address, Protect Our Care hosted events in five states to celebrate the administration’s health care accomplishments and to urge further action to lower health care costs for families. Last year, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, making coverage more affordable than ever before. The law’s enhanced premium tax credits allowed four out of five enrollees to find a plan for $10 or less per month. As a result, a record number of Americans signed up for coverage during the 2022 open enrollment period, putting more money in families’ pockets and giving millions of people peace of mind knowing they can afford the health care they need. 

The success of the American Rescue Plan only underscores the need for Congress to pass additional measures to lower health care costs. President Biden and Democrats in Congress have been working hard to lower insurance premiums, give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, close the Medicaid coverage gap, extend Medicare benefits, and invest in care for seniors and people with disabilities. President Biden has repeatedly said lowering health care costs is a top priority and, tonight, he is expected to address the need to pass these health care reforms as soon as possible. 

ARIZONA

On Wednesday, February 23, Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) and constituent Kathy Saulsberry joined health care advocate Iesha Meza and Protect Our Care Arizona to discuss what Arizonans hope to hear from President Biden when he delivers his first State of the Union address on Tuesday, March 1. 

“It is unconscionable that Arizona families have to make tough choices between providing for their families or paying for lifesaving medications,” said Representative Gallego. “It does not have to be this way, and improvements made under the American Rescue Plan show just what is possible if Congress passed permanent solutions to lower health care costs.” Watch the full event here

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WEST VIRGINIA

On Thursday, February 24, local health care and patient advocates joined Protect Our Care West Virginia to discuss what West Virginians hope to hear from President Biden when he delivers his first State of the Union address on Tuesday, March 1.

Mindy Salango, a Type 1 diabetic who lives in Morgantown says the fight for health care reform and lowering prescription drug prices has gone on long enough. “The diabetic community has been screaming for help into a void for over fifteen years. I really hope President Biden continues to make healthcare reform top priority and Congress can come through for the American people.” Watch the event here

OHIO

On Friday, February 25, U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and  leaders from across Ohio joined Protect Our Care Ohio to discuss what Ohioans hope to hear from President Biden when he delivers his first State of the Union address on Tuesday, March 1. 

“As we prepare for President Biden’s State of the Union, it’s a good time to reflect on how Democrats have delivered lower costs and increased access to health care,” said Representative Kaptur. “The American Rescue Plan provided a lifeline to our nation throughout the pandemic, and it strengthened the Affordable Care Act for middle class workers and families. From lowering the cost of prescription drugs and insulin, to protecting the Affordable Care Act and strengthening Medicare, President Biden and Congressional Democrats are leading the way for the American people.” Watch the full event here

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

On Monday, February 28, a range of health policy experts joined Protect Our Care NH and Granite State Progress to discuss what Granite Staters can expect to hear from President Biden when he delivers his first State of the Union address on Tuesday, March 1. Watch the event here

PENNSYLVANIA

On Monday, February 28, Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) joined For Our Future, The 99 Percent Campaign, SEIU Healthcare, the United Homecare Workers of PA, The Pennsylvania Health Access Network, and Protect Our Care Pennsylvania to discuss what Pennsylvanians hope to hear from President Biden when he delivers his first State of the Union address on Tuesday, March 1. “Lowering drug prices, making the American Rescue Plan’s subsidies for the Affordable Care Act permanent, and expanding our home and community care services are issues not just widely popular with the American people; these are issues that will literally save lives,” said Representative Wild. “Getting all of this across the finish line won’t be easy, but none of this would be even possible without health care advocates who have forced these issues to be front and center. I won’t stop fighting until Congress passes these reforms and delivers a brighter health care future for every American.” You can watch the event here

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