September 2021

“There’s No Room For Error”: Protect Our Care, Center for American Progress Action Fund, and Hart Research Discuss the State of Play in Washington As Congress Closes In On Budget Agreement

Speakers Discussed New Poll Showing Voters’ Unwavering Support for Build Back Better Provisions to Bring Down Health Care & Prescription Drug Costs

Watch the Event Here

Washington, DC — Today, Hart Research’s Geoff Garin and the Center for American Progress Action Fund CEO Patrick Gaspard joined Protect Our Care to discuss the political situation in Washington as Congress works to pass budget reconciliation legislation and to present findings from a new national survey on voters’ attitudes towards the Build Back Better Act and health care. 

Congress is closing in on a budget agreement that will transform the lives of American families nationwide. President Biden and Democrats are fighting tirelessly to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, close the Medicaid coverage gap, expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental and hearing, and reduce health care costs for millions of people purchasing coverage on their own. However, the fight is not over: Big Pharma and other special interests are ramping up their lobbying and scare tactics to protect profits and lie to the American people. The new survey makes clear that voters’ attitudes remain unswayed by these influences, and that every single one of these health care priorities are central to the bill’s success. Read the full memo here. 

“We’re at the precipice of a historic opportunity to build on the ACA. According to The Commonwealth Fund and The Urban Institute, the Build Back Better Agenda will cut the number of uninsured in this country by 7 million. Rates of uninsured Americans will drop in every state, and families’ will save $8.8 billion in premiums,” said Center for American Progress Action Fund CEO Patrick Gaspard. “Right now there’s no room for error. Democrats have the thinnest of majorities in the House and the Senate, and if we can’t pass a series of reforms that have broad, bipartisan support across the whole country, Americans are likely to remember that come election day.”

“The health care provisions are the most important priorities for the Build Back Better legislation’s support,” said Hart Research President Geoff Garin. “Lowering health care and drug costs for families and seniors are in the highest ranks of what voters care about for this bill and are central to the appeal of what is already a very popular proposal.” 

“The future of this country depends on bold action to bring down costs and strengthen health care for the American people,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “As Big Pharma and other special interests are spending millions to protect their profits and defend the broken system, voters remain unswayed in their support for Congress to lower health care and prescription drug costs. Patients are demanding relief, and poll after poll makes clear that any lawmaker standing in the way of reform is turning their back on their constituents and will pay the price at the ballot box. Our message to lawmakers is: don’t back down now.”

**MEDIA ADVISORY FOR SEPTEMBER 20 AT 11:00 AM ET**

Protect Our Care to Protest Rep. Kathleen Rice’s Decision to Vote With Big Pharma and Against Patients With Mobile Billboard

Event Comes After Rep. Rice Voted No on Medicare Negotiation in the Energy & Commerce Committee Budget Markup

9 Out Of 10 NY-04 Voters Support Allowing Medicare To Negotiate; 76% of Voters Think Drug Prices Are Unreasonable

New York — A mobile billboard sponsored by Protect Our Care will appear in front of Rep. Kathleen Rice’s (D-NY-04) district office with health care advocates and storytellers on Monday, September 20 calling on the congresswoman to stand up to Big Pharma and bring relief to New York’s seniors and families who struggle to afford their medications. This week, Rep. Rice turned her back on her constituents and voted against Medicare negotiation in committee, but she has a chance to do the right thing when the final bill goes to the House floor. 

Rep. Rice voted in favor of Medicare negotiation in 2019, but she has since reversed course after being showered in campaign cash by pharmaceutical companies and their CEOs. Over the course of her career, Rep. Rice has received $65,633 in campaign contributions from drug companies. Now, she’s siding with Big Pharma over her own constituents. 

The event comes as Congress is closing in on a budget agreement that will transform the lives of American families nationwide. President Biden and Democrats are leading the charge to include Medicare negotiation and other key health care priorities in the Build Back Better package, but the fight is not over: Big Pharma is ramping up its lobbying and scare tactics to protect its profits and lie to the American people. This event will make clear that Rep. Rice must not cower to the demands of drug companies and deliver on her promises to her constituents and all Americans. 

Event Details:

WHO:
Protect Our Care

WHAT: Local Advocates to Rally Against U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice’s Vote Against Lowering Drug Prices

WHERE: Rep. Kathleen Rice District Office: 229 7th Street, Garden City, NY 11530

WHEN: Monday, September 20 at 11:00 AM ET

The mobile billboard outside Rice’s district office comes on the heels of a new project showing the overwhelming, bipartisan support for reform across New York’s 4th Congressional District. With this project and interactive map, Rep. Rice and her constituents can now find the level of backing for Medicare negotiation, opinions about pharmaceutical companies, concerns about Congress failing to act, and belief in pharma’s top arguments. The project was conducted by Data for Progress on behalf of Protect Our Care and Patients For Affordable Drugs Now.

The model shows that:

• 9 out of 10 (90%) of NY-04 voters back reforms that give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices;
• More than 7 out of 10 (76%) voters believe prescription drug costs are “unreasonable”;
• 82% of voters reject pharma’s argument that lowering drug prices will harm innovation and believe that we can let Medicare negotiate lower prices without harming innovation and development. 

**MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TODAY, 9/17 AT 11:15 am PT**

Protect Our Care CA to Protest Scott Peters’ Decision to Vote With Big Pharma and Against Patients With Mobile Billboard, Patients and Advocates

Event Comes After Rep. Peters Voted No on Medicare Negotiation in the Energy & Commerce Committee Budget Markup

9 Out Of 10 CA-52 Voters Support Allowing Medicare To Negotiate; 75% of Voters Think Drug Prices Are Unreasonable

San Diego, CA — A mobile billboard sponsored by Protect Our Care will appear in front of Rep. Scott Peters’ district office with advocates from the AIDs Healthcare Foundation on Friday, September 17 calling on the congressman to stand up to Big Pharma and bring relief to San Diego’s seniors and families who struggle to afford their medications. This week, Rep. Peters turned his back on his constituents and voted against Medicare negotiation in committee, but he has a chance to do the right thing when the final bill goes to the House floor. 

Rep. Peters voted in favor of Medicare negotiation in 2019, but he has since reversed course after being showered in campaign cash by pharmaceutical companies and their CEOs. Over the course of his career, Rep. Peters has received $860,465 in campaign contributions from drug companies. Now, he’s siding with Big Pharma over his own constituents. 

The event comes as Congress is closing in on a budget agreement that will transform the lives of American families nationwide. President Biden and Democrats are leading the charge to include Medicare negotiation and other key health care priorities in the Build Back Better package, but the fight is not over: Big Pharma is ramping up its lobbying and scare tactics to protect its profits and lie to the American people. This event will make clear that Rep. Peters must not cower to the demands of drug companies and deliver on his promises to his constituents and all Americans. 

Event Details:

WHO:
Protect Our Care California State Director, Deborah Carmiel
AIDS Healthcare Foundation

WHAT: Local Advocates to Rally Against U.S. Representative Scott Peters’ Vote Against Lowering Drug Prices

WHERE: 4350 Executive Drive, Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92121

WHEN: Today, Friday September 17th at 11:15 AM PT

The mobile billboard outside Peters’ district office comes on the heels of a new project showing the overwhelming, bipartisan support for this reform across California’s 52nd Congressional District represented by Rep. Scott Peters. With this project and interactive map, Rep. Scott Peters and his constituents can now find the level of backing for Medicare negotiation, opinions about pharmaceutical companies, concerns about Congress failing to act, and belief in pharma’s top arguments. The project was conducted by Data for Progress on behalf of Protect Our Care and Patients For Affordable Drugs Now.

The model shows that:

• 9 out of 10 (90%) of CA-52 voters back reforms that give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices;
• More than 7 out of 10 (75%) voters believe prescription drug costs are “unreasonable”;
• 81% of voters reject pharma’s argument that lowering drug prices will harm innovation and believe that we can let Medicare negotiate lower prices without harming innovation and development.

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 11:00 AM ET***

TODAY: Local Healthcare Workers and Advocates to Rally Outside Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar’s Office Urging Her to Support the Build Back Better Agenda

Miami, FL — On Friday, September 17 at 11:00 AM ET, health care advocates and union workers will hold an in-person rally outside Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar’s office in response to her lack of support for the overwhelmingly popular Build Back Better agenda and refusal to support meaningful action to lower prescription drug prices for Floridians.

Democrats are committed to lowering drug prices for American families through the reconciliation bill currently being debated in Congress, while Republicans are hell-bent on protecting Big Pharma’s profits. Americans pay three times more for drugs than people in other countries, forcing millions of families to choose between lifesaving prescriptions and other necessities like groceries or rent. 

There is overwhelming, bipartisan support for Medicare negotiation in Florida and the need to lower prescription drug prices. Data for Progress’ new research shows that 9 out of 10 Florida voters in Congressional District 27 support allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices, and 76% of voters in the district think drug prices are unreasonable (more details available on this interactive map).

RALLY:

WHO:
Local Health Care Workers and Advocates

WHAT: Rally to Urge Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar to Stand Up For Floridians and Support the Build Back Better Agenda

WHERE: 3571 NW 7th Street, Bay F, Miami, FL 33126

WHEN: Friday, September 17 at 11:00 AM ET

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 11:00 AM PT // 2:00 PM ET***

TODAY: Former Rep. Harley Rouda and Local Advocates to Rally Outside Rep. Michelle Steel’s Office to Tell Her to Stop Putting Big Pharma’s Profits Over Patients

Orange County, CA — On Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 AM PT // 2:00 PM ET, Former Rep. Harley Rouda and local advocates will join Protect Our Care CA for an in-person rally outside Rep. Michelle Steels’ (R-CA-48) office to highlight how President Biden and the Democrats’ efforts will lower costs and expand access to health care in California and across the country. It is imperative that California Democrats unite in the wake of the recall victory to support their national agenda, including historic measures for humane, affordable health care. 

The purpose of this rally is to continue to urge members of Congress like Scott Peters, Lou Correa, and Tony Cardenas to sign on to essential policies such as HR3 even as we continue to push California Republicans such as Michelle Steel to join us and fight on behalf of their districts. 

President Biden’s Build Back Better proposal includes driving down prescription drug prices, expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, dental and hearing, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, and dramatically lowering the cost of health insurance for millions. This entire package contains additional support to Californians with the extension of the child tax credit and health care subsidies; the proposal also includes critical environmental, labor and immigrant reforms. Our message to Michelle Steel is clear, stop obstruction; Californians need you to act! 

RALLY:

WHO:
Former U.S. Representative Harley Rouda (D-CA-48)
Orange County Health Care Advocates
Protect Our Care California

WHAT: In Person Rally to Tell Rep. Michelle Steel to Stop Putting Big Pharma’s Profits Over Patients

WHERE: Rep. Michelle Steel’s Office, 117011 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647

WHEN: Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 AM PT // 2:00 PM ET

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 11:00 AM ET***

TODAY: West Virginia House Minority Leader Doug Skaff and Local Advocates to Highlight How Historic Health Care Investments Will Impact the Mountain State

 Charleston, WV — On Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 AM ET West Virginia House Minority Leader Doug Skaff and local advocates will join Protect Our Care WV for a virtual press conference to highlight how the efforts of President Biden and Democrats in Congress will lower costs and expand access to health care in West Virginia and across the country. 

Expanding access to quality, affordable health care has never been more critical. The pandemic has laid bare the high costs and alarming inequities in our health care system, and it has demonstrated that health care must be a right, not a privilege. President Biden and Democrats in Congress are fighting to make this a reality in West Virginia, by working to include historic health care provisions in their budget reconciliation legislation. 

President Biden’s Build Back Better proposal includes driving down prescription drug prices, expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, and dramatically lowering the cost of health insurance for millions.

PRESS CALL:

WHO:
Doug Skaff, West Virginia House Minority Leader
Dr. Jessica Ice, Executive Director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care
Mindy Salango, Morgantown resident and Type 1 Diabetic
Ryan Frankenberry, WV Working Families Party State Director

WHAT: Virtual Press Conference to Highlight How Historic Health Care Investments Will Impact West Virginians 

WHERE: Register for the Event Here 

WHEN: Tuesday, September 16 at 11:00 AM ET

The White House has announced that ACA enrollment has reached a record high of 12.2 million people due to President Biden’s special enrollment period, which allowed nearly three million people to enroll in health coverage. The Biden administration opened the SEP in February 2021 to ensure people could access ACA coverage during the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, more Americans will have access to high-quality, affordable health care for years to come.  

Washington Post: Special Enrollment For ACA Health Plans Attracts Nearly 3 Million Consumers. “The additional enrollees push the reliance on ACA health plans to a record level of 12.2 million since the insurance marketplaces that were created under the law first offered health plans in 2014…Wednesday’s report shows that 2.1 million people signed up for new coverage in those states that use HealthCare.gov. In addition, more than 700,000 signed up in 15 states that run their own marketplaces under the ACA.” [Washington Post, 9/15/21]

Bloomberg: Biden Says 2.8 Million Bought Health Coverage In Special Period. “President Joe Biden said 2.8 million Americans signed up for health insurance through Obamacare exchanges during a special enrollment period started early in his presidency, pushing the number of Americans who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act to an all-time high.” [Bloomberg, 9/15/21]

AP: Nearly 3M Get Health Coverage During COVID-19 Sign-Up. “Biden said Wednesday that the subsidies in his COVID-19 relief law have helped trim premiums by about $67 a month for people who buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act, and that 4 in 10 consumers who bought during the special sign-up window found plans for $10 a month or less. Out-of-pocket expenses have also dropped.” [AP, 9/15/21]

Reuters: Nearly 3 Mln Americans Sign Up For Healthcare During Special Enrollment Period. “More than four in 10 Americans who gained coverage during the special enrollment period found a plan for $10 or less a month…Twenty states and the District of Columbia saw premiums decrease by more than $75 a month. Out-of-pocket spending also declined with the median deductible for new enrollees dropping by more than 90%, from $750 to $50” [Reuters, 9/15/21]

Spectrum News: Special Enrollment Period Spurs 2.8 Million Affordable Care Act Sign-Ups. “Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, passed by Congress in March, included enhanced tax credits that lowered premiums for millions of Americans who buy their coverage through the ACA… those subsidies have cut ACA premiums by an average of $67 a month, or about $800 a year. More than four in 10 Americans signed up for plans that cost $10 or less each month. And out-of-pocket spending has declined “dramatically” due to cutting the median deductible for new enrollees from $750 to $50.” [Spectrum News, 9/15/21]

Washington Times: Biden: Special Enrollment Period Sparked 2.8M Obamacare Signups. “Mr. Biden’s coronavirus bill temporarily increased the assistance across the board and made people earning over 400% above the poverty line eligible for federal assistance for the first time, removing the income cap and offering financial help if “benchmark” premiums exceed 8.5% of income. The president said the jump in sign-ups offers a good reason to extend the benefit as part of his sweeping family assistance proposals now being debated in Congress.” [Washington Times, 9/15/21]