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March 2021

protectourcare
In News

ACA At 11: Affordable Health Care For Older Adults

Protect Our Care Is Marking the 11th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act With 11 Days Celebrating the Success of the Health Care Law

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of seniors gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures critical protections for seniors and older adults nationwide. Between lowering prescription drug costs and limiting the amount insurers can charge, the ACA expanded access to affordable health care for individuals aged 50 and older. According to AARP, before ACA’s protections, discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions, age rating, and annual and lifetime caps made accessing health care out of reach for older adults.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Older adults could save thousands on health care thanks to the American Rescue Plan; for example, the average 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 will save $1,389 in monthly premiums on marketplace coverage. Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is essential as older adults have suffered the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Thanks To The ACA: 

  • People Over The Age Of 50 Save Thousands On Premiums. The Affordable Care Act limited the amount older people could be charged to three times more than younger people. If insurers were to charge five times more, as was proposed in the Republican repeal bills, that would add an average “age tax” of $4,124 for a 60-year-old in the individual market, according to AARP.
  • Seniors Are Guaranteed Free Preventive Services And Annual Check-Ups. 60 million people with Medicare have access to free preventive services because of the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, Medicare beneficiaries likely see lower premiums thanks to the cost-saving measures implemented under the ACA.
  • 8.9 million Medicare Beneficiaries Are Benefiting From Higher Quality, More Coordinated Care. Provisions in the ACA encouraged groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers to come together to provide coordinated high-quality care to the Medicare patients they serve. 
  • 32 Million Older Adults With Pre-Existing Conditions Gained Protections. Thanks to the ACA, people with pre-existing conditions like asthma and diabetes cannot be charged more or denied coverage by their insurers. Nationwide, 135 million Americans have a pre-existing condition, including 32 million people aged 55-64. And now, millions of Americans who have contracted the coronavirus are also protected from discrimination by their insurance companies. 

A Closer Look At How The Affordable Care Act Is Working For Seniors Across The Country:

Seniors Saved Thousands On Prescription Drug Costs Thanks To The ACA. From 2010 to 2016, “More than 11.8 million Medicare beneficiaries have received discounts over $26.8 billion on prescription drugs – an average of $2,272 per beneficiary,” according to a January 2017 Centers on Medicare and Medicaid Services report.

The ACA’s Medicaid Expansion Saved The Lives Of At Least 19,200 Older Adults. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Medicaid expansion saved the lives of 19,200 older adults aged 55 to 64 between 2014 and 2017. At the same time,15,600 older adults died prematurely as a result of their states’ decision not to expand the program. 

 

protectourcare
In News

U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Ron Wyden, U.S. Representative Frank Pallone Discuss the American Rescue Plan’s Expansion of the ACA, Health Care Priorities

Listen to the Call Audio Here

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee joined Protect Our Care today to discuss the impacts of the American Rescue Plan and its expansion of the Affordable Care Act. The American Rescue Plan contains the most significant health care reform since the law was passed 11 years ago. The chairs also discussed the need for Congress to take further action to lower costs, expand coverage, address inequities in care, and tackle the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. 

“This pandemic is the biggest health care crisis in a century, which is why the American Rescue Plan included the biggest expansion of health care since the Affordable Care Act. There is still plenty of work ahead to fully end this pandemic, to rebuild our nation stronger and fairer, and to finally ensure health care in this country is truly a right and not a privilege. But it’s worth recognizing the work we just did—the American Rescue Plan we just passed—will make a real difference in millions of lives. After four years of fighting off health care attacks, I’m glad to say we are finally building on the progress of the past with bold steps to expand quality, affordable health coverage, and we are not done yet,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate HELP Committee.

“I am thrilled to continue working with Protect Our Care on legislation that sends help to Americans instead of fighting Republicans who tried to take that help away. The American Rescue Plan is the boldest economic relief package in memory: it sends relief payments to families in Oregon and nationwide, cuts child poverty in half, and boosts the take home pay of millions of essential workers like grocery store clerks and home health aides. Moving forward, I am committed to bold action on prescription drugs to help Americans who are getting clobbered at the pharmacy counter. And Congress must build on the work to expand health care coverage and improve affordability that was passed as a part of the American Rescue Plan,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. 

“When President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law last week it was the largest expansion of health care coverage since the passage of the Affordable Care Act. It is a relief to finally see legislation being enacted that expands health care and lowers costs for families after a decade of constant Republican obstruction and sabotage. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on this early momentum in the months to come as we look to continue to strengthen the Affordable Care Act,” said U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“The American Rescue Plan is the boldest expansion of health care in a decade and coincides with the anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Over the last year, the ACA has served as a lifeline to Americans battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s never been a more urgent time to build on the law’s success. The American Rescue Plan is a huge step forward in expanding coverage and lowering health care costs, but there is still more work to be done to make these historic changes permanent, be sure that states expand Medicaid, and tackle skyrocketing prescription drug prices,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. 

protectourcare
In News

TODAY: U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Ron Wyden, U.S. Representative Frank Pallone Discuss the American Rescue Plan’s Expansion of the ACA

Chairs of Committees with Jurisdiction Over Health Care Will Discuss How the ACA Served as a Lifeline During the Pandemic and Look Forward to Next Steps to Lower Costs, Expand Coverage, and Address Inequities

Washington, DC – On Tuesday, March 16 at 3:00 PM ET, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, will join Protect Our Care to discuss the impacts of the American Rescue Plan and its expansion of the Affordable Care Act, the most significant health care reform since the law was passed 11 years ago. The chairs will also discuss the need for Congress to take further action to lower costs, expand coverage, address inequities in care, and tackle the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. 

This event kicks off Protect Our Care’s week of action ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act’s passage. Protect Our Care will be holding events in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to reflect on the accomplishments of the ACA, what has been gained with the passage of the American Rescue Plan, and what more needs to be done. 

PRESS CALL

WHO:
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee
U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee
Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care           

WHAT: Press Call with U.S. Senators Patty Murray, Ron Wyden, and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., to Discuss Health Care Provisions in American Rescue Plan As ACA Approaches 11 Year Anniversary

WHERE: Dial In: 877-229-8493, PIN: 118261

WHEN: Tuesday, March 16 at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT

protectourcare
In News

11 Days Celebrating the ACA

Protect Our Care Is Marking the 11th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act With 11 Days Celebrating the Success of the Health Care Law

Day Ten: Marketplace Signups & Financial Assistance

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land, and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Among the many benefits of the health care law, the ACA introduced financial assistance to help people purchase comprehensive coverage on the individual marketplaces. The ACA marketplaces, along with the expansion of Medicaid, helped more than 20 million Americans gain coverage.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. The American Rescue Plan lowers premiums for people purchasing coverage through the marketplaces and expands access to financial assistance for more middle-class families.

Day Nine: Health Care For LGBTQ Americans

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land, and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The LGBTQ community has unique health care needs and has historically experienced high rates of uninsurance and barriers to coverage and care, such as discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. The ACA’s consumer protections, along with the expansion of Medicaid and creation of financial assistance to help people purchase marketplace coverage, made affordable health care a reality for many LGBTQ Americans.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Making coverage more affordable and accessible is especially important for LGBTQ people, who are significantly more likely than non-LGBTQ people to live in poverty and to face barriers to accessing care. The health care measures in the American Rescue Plan will have profound impacts on disparities in health care access and outcomes, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic has hit LGTBQ Americans much harder than others.

Day Eight: Coverage For Children & Young Adults

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of young Americans gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Almost three million children nationwide gained coverage thanks to the ACA. Millions of young adults also experienced coverage gains and improved access to health care as a result of the health care law.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Health care for children and young adults is especially important as the nation continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. As millions of families have lost their health care as a result of pandemic-related job losses, the ACA and Medicaid expansion have given them a place to turn to for comprehensive, affordable coverage.

Day Seven: Reduced Disparities In Health Care

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The ACA helped reduce longstanding racial disparities in coverage rates, improving health care access for communities of color across the board. In addition to increasing coverage and improving financial security, the law has helped narrow racial disparities in maternal health, cancer care, and more.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. The health care measures in the American Rescue Plan will have profound impacts in racial disparities in health care access and outcomes, particularly as COVID-19 has hit communities of color much harder than others. Further expansion of the health care law will protect individuals who get sick and help communities slow the spread of the virus by helping detecting cases sooner and getting more people vaccinated. Protect Our Care recently released a report detailing how the American Rescue Plan works to reduce racial disparities in health care.

Day Six: Health Care For People With Disabilities

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. By expanding Medicaid and introducing key protections, the ACA has improved coverage and health care access for the 61 million people with disabilities across the country.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the health care law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in more than a decade. Solidifying and expanding the ACA is especially important as millions of Americans have contracted the COVID-19, with some “long haulers” facing the possibility of lifelong disabilities. Without the ACA’s protections, survivors of COVID-19 would likely be deemed as having a pre-existing condition and be at the mercy of their insurance companies who could refuse to pay for needed care.

Day Five: ACA At 11: Lower Drug Costs

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. In addition to expanding coverage to more than 20 million Americans, the ACA improved health care affordability, particularly for patients purchasing prescription drugs. Between 2010 and 2018, the share of non-elderly adults with problems filling a prescription fell by 27 percent, while those with a problem paying a medical bill fell by 17 percent, the share who skipped a test or treatment fell by 24 percent, and the share who didn’t visit a provider when needing care fell by 19 percent.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the ACA, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the health care law to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is especially important as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and millions have lost their jobs and their health insurance.

Day Four: Protections For People With Pre-Existing Conditions

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Because of the ACA, insurers in the individual market can no longer drop or deny coverage, or charge people more because of a pre-existing condition. More than 135 million Americans have a pre-existing health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or cancer. 

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Solidifying and expanding the ACA is especially important as millions of Americans have contracted the COVID-19; without the health law’s protections, survivors of COVID-19 would likely be deemed as having a pre-existing condition and be at the mercy of their insurance companies who could refuse to pay for needed care. 

At the same time, millions have lost their jobs and their employer-sponsored coverage during the pandemic, and experts say an overwhelming majority have been able to get covered under the ACA — through the marketplaces or through Medicaid expansion. Every single one of these individuals now relies on the ACA’s protections for pre-existing conditions. 

Day Three: Medicaid Expansion

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of people gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The ACA opened the doors for states to expand Medicaid, and the results are piling in: Medicaid expansion works. In addition to covering 15 million people, expansion has resulted in healthier people, communities and economies.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. In addition to providing affordable coverage options for millions of uninsured Americans through the ACA, the American Rescue Plan provides robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion.

Medicaid expansion has served as a critical safety net as millions have lost jobs and their employer-based health insurance. Between February and November 2020, states that expanded their programs saw a 22 percent increase in Medicaid enrollment. An estimated four million uninsured adults — including 640,000 frontline workers, 500,000 people with disabilities, and 926,000 older adults aged 50 to 64 — could gain coverage if the remaining holdout states adopted expansion. Importantly, people of color make up nearly 60 percent of this group.

Day Two: Affordable Care for Older Adults

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of women gained coverage and critical protections as a result. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures critical protections for seniors and older adults nationwide. Between lowering prescription drug costs and limiting the amount insurers can charge, the ACA expanded access to affordable health care for individuals aged 50 and older. According to AARP, before ACA’s protections, discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions, age rating, and annual and lifetime caps made accessing health care out of reach for older adults.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Older adults could save thousands on health care thanks to the American Rescue Plan; for example, the average 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 will save $1,389 in monthly premiums on marketplace coverage. Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is essential as older adults have suffered the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Day One: Women’s Coverage

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of women gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Among the many benefits of the ACA, the health care law ensures that women cannot be charged more than men for the same coverage. Additionally, 68 million women with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and asthma are protected from discrimination, and they are no longer subject to annual or lifetime limits. The ACA also guarantees free preventive care, such as mammograms, Pap smears, and other important screenings, in addition to providing birth control with no out-of-pocket fees. These benefits, along with creation of the ACA Marketplace and expansion of Medicaid, have improved the health of women across the country.

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Making coverage more affordable and accessible is essential as millions of women have lost their jobs and their health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protect Our Care recently released a report detailing the impact of the American Rescue Plan on women’s lives.

protectourcare
In Fact Sheet

ACA At 11: Women’s Coverage

Protect Our Care Is Marking the 11th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act With 11 Days Celebrating the Success of the Health Care Law

Eleven years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of women gained coverage and critical protections as a result. Among the many benefits of the ACA, the health care law ensures that women cannot be charged more than men for the same coverage. Additionally, 68 million women with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and asthma are protected from discrimination, and they are no longer subject to annual or lifetime limits. The ACA also guarantees free preventive care, such as mammograms, Pap smears, and other important screenings, in addition to providing birth control with no out-of-pocket fees. These benefits, along with creation of the ACA Marketplace and expansion of Medicaid, have improved the health of women across the country. 

After four long years of Republican efforts to repeal and sabotage the law, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are now working to build on the strong foundation of the ACA to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care. On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes the most significant health care expansion in a decade. Making coverage more affordable and accessible is essential as millions of women have lost their jobs and their health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protect Our Care recently released a report detailing the impact of the American Rescue Plan on women’s lives. 

Thanks To The ACA: 

  • 68 Million Women With Pre-Existing Conditions Cannot Be Charged More Or Denied Coverage. Prior to the ACA, conditions like asthma, diabetes, and even pregnancy were grounds for insurance companies to charge more or deny coverage altogether. Additionally, insurance companies could impose annual and lifetime limits on coverage, which further eroded access to care for the sickest patients. 
  • Women Cannot Be Charged More Than Men For The Same Coverage. Before the ACA, women were often charged premiums on the nongroup market of up to 50 percent higher than men for the same coverage, and 1 in 5 women reported postponing or going without preventive care due to cost. Thanks to the ACA, insurers cannot charge women more than men for the same coverage, and women gained access to important preventive care services with no out-of-pocket costs. 
  • More Than 60 million People Have Access To Birth Control With No Out-Of-Pocket Fees. The ACA guarantees that private health plans cover 18 methods of contraception and make them available to 62.4 million patients with no out-of-pocket costs. More than 99 percent of sexually-active women have used contraceptives at some point in their lifetimes, and approximately 60 percent of women of reproductive age currently use at least one birth control method. In addition to increasing access to this essential treatment, this ACA provision has saved money for women and their families: women saved $1.4 billion on birth control pills alone in 2013.
  • Women Can No Longer Face Discrimination In Health Care Settings. Section 1557 of the ACA prohibits discrimination the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability by any health program or activity receiving federal assistance. It also prohibits these types of discrimination in health programs and activities administered by HHS as well as the ACA marketplaces. 
  • Nursing Parents Gained Breastfeeding Support And Critical Workplace Protections. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover breastfeeding support and counseling as well as breast pumps without cost-sharing for pregnant and nursing women. 

A Closer Look At How The Affordable Care Act Is Working For Women Across The Country:

The Number Of Uninsured Women In The U.S. Fell By Nearly Half Between 2010 And 2016. The number of women lacking health insurance had fallen by almost half between 2010 and 2016, from 19 million to 11 million. The uninsured rate for women with low incomes fell from 34 percent to 18 percent over the same period. 

The ACA Improved Women’s Access To Care. Studies have shown that women with insurance are far more likely to receive preventive care, including mammograms. According to the Commonwealth Fund, the percentage of women skipping needed care, including filling a prescription, going to the doctor, or receiving recommended care, dropped from 48 percent in 2010 to 38 percent in 2016. Additionally, the number of women reporting problems with medical bills declined after the implementation of the ACA. The Center for American Progress found that, by 2014, Black women were already more likely to receive care because of the ACA. 

The ACA’s Medicaid Expansion Improved Maternal Health. Research from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families found that Medicaid expansion has helped fill gaps in maternal health coverage, leading to healthier mothers and babies. It also helps new mothers maintain access to coverage and important postpartum care after giving birth. Multiple studies draw the connection between Medicaid expansion and reduced infant and maternal mortality rates. One study found that reductions in maternal mortality in expansion states were concentrated among Black mothers, “suggesting that expansion could be contributing to decreasing racial disparities in maternal mortality.” Medicaid expansion has also been tied to improving access to birth control and family planning. 

protectourcare
In News

NEW ADS: Protect Our Care Launches Digital Ad Campaign on American Rescue Plan Votes

Campaign Includes 30 Ads in 19 States Praising Democrats and Holding Republicans Accountable

WATCH HERE: Democrats Voted for The American Rescue Plan

WATCH HERE: Republicans Voted Against The American Rescue Plan

Washington, DC — Protect Our Care launched a new digital ad campaign today to hold legislators accountable for their historic votes on the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan works to get the virus under control and restore our economy by providing $1,400 checks and other financial relief for children and families, getting vaccines in the arms of Americans and reducing health care costs. 

According to a recent report from the Associated Press, under this plan “Several million people stand to save hundreds of dollars in health insurance costs, or more.” Kaiser Health News found that this plan has “some of the most significant changes to insurance affordability in more than a decade.”

The ads will run in-district so constituents know where their elected officials stand on this monumental health care vote. 

Ads about support of the American Rescue Plan will be running in: U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Carolyn Bordeaux (D-GA-07), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08), Andy Kim (D-NJ-03), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08), Conor Lamb (D-PA-17), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Colin Allred (D-TX-32), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). 

Ads about opposition to the American Rescue Plan will be running in: U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) and U.S. Representatives David Valadao (R-CA-21), Mike Garcia (R-CA-25), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), John Katko (R-NY-24), Steve Chabot (R-OH-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24). 

“Facing this pandemic, no one who voted against the American Rescue Plan can hide from their vote, and no one who voted for it should be shy about screaming it from the rooftops. The American Rescue Plan is absolutely critical in pulling our country out of this pandemic and getting it under control. Democrats are delivering lower health care costs, expanding coverage and addressing racial disparities so people can get the health care they need to defeat this pandemic,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “Protect Our Care is making sure people know which of their elected officials voted for shots in arms, cash in the pockets of Americans, and reducing health care costs — and which ones voted to prolong the pandemic and leave their constituents without the relief they need.”

Example (AZ) Script for Positive Accountability Ad (:30): 

Americans are fighting every day against this pandemic. 

Small businesses. Jobs. Time with family. Lives. All lost. 

Thankfully, your Senator Mark Kelly just voted for the American Rescue Plan.

For 1,400 dollars in relief for families.

For a surge in distributing the vaccine.

For expanding health care and lowering costs so less people get sick.

Americans want to get control of this virus. 

He voted to have our back. 

Call Senator Kelly: Tell him to keep fighting for our families.

Example (WI) Script for Negative Accountability Ad (:30): 

Americans are fighting every day against this pandemic. 

Small businesses. Jobs. Time with family. Lives. All lost. 

But Senator Ron Johnson just voted against the American Rescue Plan.

Said no to 1,400 dollars in direct relief for families.

Said no to a surge in vaccine distribution.

Said no to lowering health insurance premiums and expanding care. 

Americans want to get control of this virus. 

Senator Johnson voted to prolong it. 

Call and tell him to STOP playing politics with our lives.

protectourcare
In News

HELP IS ON THE WAY: President Biden Signs Historic American Rescue Plan Into Law

President Biden, Democrats Deliver Essential Pandemic Relief, Critical Health Care Expansion

Washington, DC — President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law today, delivering a lifeline to Americans who have been battling the COVID-19 pandemic for a year. The American Rescue Plan includes desperately needed pandemic relief and historic health care provisions to lower costs, expand coverage, and address racial inequities in care. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:

“The American Rescue Plan is a historic victory for Americans who have been struggling through this pandemic for the last year. Thanks to President Biden, real relief is on the way. Americans will feel the impact of this legislation in their lives, and it will help pull us out of this pandemic. The American Rescue Plan is the boldest expansion of health care in a decade. It builds on the Affordable Care Act by expanding coverage, lowering heath care costs, and addressing racial disparities. Despite overwhelming support in both red and blue states, not a single Republican voted for the American Rescue Plan. Republicans voted against shots in arms, cash in families’ pockets, and reopening schools. President Biden and Democrats in Congress are the ones who put the health and safety of Americans first and delivered on their promises. Voters won’t forget who helped pull them out of this pandemic.”

BACKGROUND:

The American Rescue Plan Will Expand Coverage, Dramatically Reduce Health Care Costs For Americans

As part of the American Rescue Plan, Democrats included major provisions to lower health care costs and expand coverage, building on the strong foundation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This legislation will lower premiums for people purchasing coverage through the ACA marketplaces and expand access to financial assistance for more middle-class families. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan includes robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion. 

Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is especially important as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and millions have lost their jobs and their health insurance. Measures to increase affordability also reduce racial disparities in health care access. Despite significant progress after the implementation of the ACA, Black and Hispanic adults are more likely than white adults to have low incomes and face financial barriers to receiving care.

Lower Costs: 

Increasing financial assistance on the ACA marketplaces means more people will be able to get the affordable coverage they need during the pandemic. Similar legislation previously passed by the House would lower costs for more than 10 million Americans and provide affordable options for uninsured Americans at a time when access to health care is paramount. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 1.3 million uninsured people will gain coverage as a result of these provisions alone. 

  • Guarantee coverage that costs less than 8.5 percent of income. This legislation lowers the cost of premiums for Americans purchasing coverage through the ACA marketplaces, ensuring enrollees have the option to purchase health care for less than 8.5 percent of their income for the next two years. 
  • Make coverage more affordable by temporarily expanding the eligibility for premium tax credits above 400 percent of the federal poverty level — roughly $51,000 for a single person or $105,000 for a family of four. Under current law, families earning just above 400 percent of the federal poverty level spend an average of 15 percent of their incomes on health insurance. According to estimates from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: 
    • The average 45-year-old earning $60,000 will save $86 in monthly premiums. 
    • A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 will save $1,389 in monthly premiums. 
    • A family of four with a household income of $120,000 will save $595 in monthly premiums. 
  • Improve affordability for low- and middle-income Americans by increasing the size of the tax credits for all income brackets for the next two years. This means a typical family of four with a household income of $75,000 will save $248 on monthly premiums, while a single adult earning $30,000 will save $110 per month. 
  • Eliminate premiums in the exchanges for people earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level (roughly $19,000 for a single person and $39,000 for a family of four) and for those receiving unemployment insurance in 2021. 

Expanded Coverage:

In addition to providing affordable coverage options for millions of uninsured Americans through the ACA, the American Rescue Plan provides robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion. Research confirms that Medicaid expansion increases access to care, improves financial security, and leads to better health outcomes. Medicaid expansion has played a vital role in reducing racial disparities in health care access and has served as a critical safety net during the pandemic. 

An estimated four million uninsured adults — including 640,000 frontline workers— could gain coverage if the remaining holdout states adopted expansion. Importantly, people of color make up nearly 60 percent of this group. 

protectourcare
In News

NEW TV AD: One Year Into COVID Shutdown, President Biden Has Put America on Clear Path to Ending the Pandemic With Passage of American Rescue Plan

After President Trump’s Failed Leadership Led to 500K Dead, Millions Infected and Economic Turmoil, President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Puts Country on Clear Path Out of Crisis

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Washington, DC – Protect Our Care is releasing a new TV ad today on the anniversary of the Coronavirus pandemic shutdown contrasting President Biden’s bold action to get direct relief to Americans, lower health care costs and get the economy back on track with the failures of the Trump administration. 

The ad titled “One Year: Turning the Page,” compares the disastrous leadership of the Trump administration and Republicans, whose policies led to millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths, with the steady hand of President Biden, who, along with Democrats, are leading us out of this crisis. 

“One year into the worst public health crisis in a generation, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are taking aggressive steps to end this pandemic by passing the American Rescue Plan and delivering direct relief, vaccines and health care benefits to Americans,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Elections matter and Americans are seeing the benefits of President Biden’s leadership. By electing President Biden and delivering Democrats the House and Senate, Americans made clear they were tired of the failed leadership of President Trump and Republicans who exacerbated this crisis by refusing to listen to experts, ignoring science and making reckless decisions that led to an economic disaster and hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths. With President Biden and Democrats in charge, we have leaders who are stepping up to get vaccines in people’s arms, cash into families’ pockets, reduce health care costs and kids back to school.” 

“After a year of failed leadership and reckless policies, you would think Republicans in Congress would want to prove they actually wanted to help their constituents out of this crisis, but by voting against direct checks and health care benefits, it’s clear they do not,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “Every single Republcian will now have to defend their vote against the American Rescue Plan and explain why they voted to extend the suffering caused by this year-long crisis instead of joining Democrats and President Biden to bring it to an end. Republicans in Congress were the worst enablers of the Trump Administration’s dangerous actions that exacerbated the pandemic, and they will continue to pay a heavy price for their failed leadership.”

Ad script: 

2020.

The year we lost hugs.

Family dinners.

Couldn’t visit our loved ones in nursing homes.

Watched as nearly 500,000 Americans were lost.

Because Donald Trump and Republicans refused to take this seriously… Ignored the scientists… And failed to combat the virus.

It didn’t have to be this way. 

Thankfully, America is turning the page.

President Biden is getting  this virus under control and getting America back on track.

… more shots in more arms… 

schools and small businesses safely re-opening… 

making health care more affordable for millions…

and jumpstarting our economy so we can build back better and stronger than before.

The fight isn’t over yet. But for the first time in a year, we’re on the right track.

And America is coming back.

Thank you President Biden.

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HISTORIC VOTE: Democrats in Congress Pass Vital Pandemic Relief, Most Significant Health Care Reform in a Decade

American Rescue Plan Heads to President Biden’s Desk

Washington, DC — Today, Democrats in the House passed the Senate version of the American Rescue Plan, sending desperately needed pandemic relief and historic health care reform to President Biden’s desk. The American Rescue Plan includes measures to lower health care costs, expand coverage, and address inequities in care. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:

“Democrats in Congress have delivered a historic victory to Americans battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Rescue Plan has broad bipartisan support across the country because it will put money into the pockets of families struggling with the health and economic consequences of the pandemic, ensure more people get vaccinated, and help safely reopen schools and the economy. After years of Republican attacks on the Affordable Care Act, the American Rescue Plan includes the most significant health care reform in more than a decade, building on the ACA to provide lower health insurance premiums for millions, get more Americans covered, and help address racial inequities. While Republicans continue to oppose desperately needed pandemic relief, Democrats are delivering on their promises and enacting policies that will have a huge impact on the daily lives of Americans.”

BACKGROUND:

The American Rescue Plan Will Expand Coverage, Dramatically Reduce Health Care Costs For Americans

As part of the American Rescue Plan, Democrats included major provisions to lower health care costs and expand coverage, building on the strong foundation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This legislation will lower premiums for people purchasing coverage through the ACA marketplaces and expand access to financial assistance for more middle-class families. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan includes robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion. 

Making health insurance more affordable and accessible is especially important as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and millions have lost their jobs and their health insurance. Measures to increase affordability also reduce racial disparities in health care access. Despite significant progress after the implementation of the ACA, Black and Hispanic adults are more likely than white adults to have low incomes and face financial barriers to receiving care.

Lower Costs: 

Increasing financial assistance on the ACA marketplaces means more people will be able to get the affordable coverage they need during the pandemic. Similar legislation previously passed by the House would lower costs for more than 10 million Americans and provide affordable options for uninsured Americans at a time when access to health care is paramount. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 1.3 million uninsured people will gain coverage as a result of these provisions alone. 

  • Guarantee coverage that costs less than 8.5 percent of income. This legislation lowers the cost of premiums for Americans purchasing coverage through the ACA marketplaces, ensuring enrollees have the option to purchase health care for less than 8.5 percent of their income for the next two years. 
  • Make coverage more affordable by temporarily expanding the eligibility for premium tax credits above 400 percent of the federal poverty level — roughly $51,000 for a single person or $105,000 for a family of four. Under current law, families earning just above 400 percent of the federal poverty level spend an average of 15 percent of their incomes on health insurance. According to estimates from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: 
    • The average 45-year-old earning $60,000 will save $86 in monthly premiums. 
    • A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 will save $1,389 in monthly premiums. 
    • A family of four with a household income of $120,000 will save $595 in monthly premiums. 
  • Improve affordability for low- and middle-income Americans by increasing the size of the tax credits for all income brackets for the next two years. This means a typical family of four with a household income of $75,000 will save $248 on monthly premiums, while a single adult earning $30,000 will save $110 per month. 
  • Eliminate premiums in the exchanges for people earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level (roughly $19,000 for a single person and $39,000 for a family of four) and for those receiving unemployment insurance in 2021. 

Expanded Coverage:

In addition to providing affordable coverage options for millions of uninsured Americans through the ACA, the American Rescue Plan provides robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion. Research confirms that Medicaid expansion increases access to care, improves financial security, and leads to better health outcomes. Medicaid expansion has played a vital role in reducing racial disparities in health care access and has served as a critical safety net during the pandemic. 

An estimated four million uninsured adults — including 640,000 frontline workers— could gain coverage if the remaining holdout states adopted expansion. Importantly, people of color make up nearly 60 percent of this group. 

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In Stories

NEW REPORT: American Rescue Plan Will Help Women Recover From Pandemic

Washington, DC — Today, Protect Our Care released a new report detailing how the expansion of the Affordable Care Act included the American Rescue Plan will help women recover from the pandemic and improve their health care access for years to come. The American Rescue Plan provides desperately needed pandemic relief and key health care provisions that will lower health care costs, expand coverage, and address inequities in care. 

REPORT: Women & The American Rescue Plan

“Women have been disproportionately impacted by the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Women are both on the front lines of responding to the crisis as health care workers and on the front lines at home. The pandemic has caused a surge of women leaving the workforce to care for children, leaving many without health insurance,” said Protect Our Care Communications Director Anne Shoup. “Congress must pass the American Rescue Plan, President Biden’s COVID relief package that includes historic health care provisions to expand coverage and lower costs while addressing stark inequities in health care that have only been exacerbated by the pandemic. This report shows making health insurance more affordable and accessible is critical as we battle the pandemic, and just as the ACA did a decade ago, the American Rescue Plan will have profound impacts on women’s health care access and outcomes for years to come.”

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