October 2022

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022***

Care Force One Rolls into Lansing and Flint on Tuesday, October 11th as Part of Nationwide “Lower Cost, Better Care” Tour

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Michigan – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and local elected officials will join health care advocates and local residents in stops in Lansing and Flint, Michigan 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 the October 11 events, speakers will discuss how the bill can help reduce costs for Michiganders, including seniors, people with disabilities, people of color, and rural Americans. 

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.

FLINT, MI

WHO:
Rep. John Cherry (D-MI-49)
Linda Hamacher, Genesee County senior citizen and President Emeritus of the Genesee Health Plan
Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, interim President/CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition
Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor

WHERE: Care Force One, Flint Farmer’s Market, 300 East First St., Flint (at the intersection of 1st and Wallenberg streets)

WHEN: Tuesday, October 11 at 10:30 AM

LANSING, MI

WHO:
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08)
Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical
Eric Schneidewind, Delta Township resident and senior on Medicare

WHERE: Care Force One, corner of Allegan and Walnut streets, southwest of Michigan Capitol

WHEN: Tuesday, October 11 at 2:30 PM

For more information on the Protect Our Care “Lower Cost, Better Care” Bus Tour visit  https://www.protectourcare.org/bus-tour/

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2022 AT 2:30PM ET***

Care Force One Rolls into Cleveland on Monday, October 10th as Part of Nationwide “Lower Cost, Better Care” Tour

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Cleveland, OH — U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) will join health care advocates and Cleveland 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. 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.

WHO:
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11)
Yvonka Hall, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition
Elaine Gohlstin, Cleveland senior
Steve Lieber, Cleveland senior, former organized labor leader and retiree
Laura Packard, storyteller

WHERE: In front of Care Force One at The Free Stamp/Willard Park, corner of East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue.

WHEN: Monday, October 10, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

For more information on the Protect Our Care “Lower Cost, Better Care” Bus Tour visit  https://www.protectourcare.org/bus-tour/ 

U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin, and Tina Smith (D-MN), U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Dean Phillips (D-MN-03), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08), and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Governor Tony Evers (D-WI), and Lt. Governor. Mandela Barnes (WI) Will Headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” Events in Six States

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington, DC — On the second 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

COLUMBUS, OHIO: 

WHO:
Commissioner Erica Crawley
Norm Wernet, Ohio State Director, Alliance for Retired Americans
Desiree Tims, President & CEO, Innovation Ohio
Sue Foley, Franklin County senior advocate
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Jada Campbell, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Columbus City Hall: 90 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

WHEN: Monday, October 10, 2022 at 9:00 AM ET

CLEVELAND, OHIO:

WHO:
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
U.S. Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH-11)
Yvonka Hall, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition
Elaine Gohlstin, Cleveland senior
Steve Lieber, Cleveland senior
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Willard Park/Free Stamp Plaza: 601 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114

WHEN: Monday, October 10, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

TUESDAY

FLINT, MICHIGAN:

WHO:
State Rep. John Cherry
Linda Hamacher, Genesee County senior citizen and President Emeritus of the Genesee Health Plan
Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, Interim President/CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate  

WHERE: Flint Farmers Market: 300 E. First St, Flint, MI 48502

WHEN: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM ET

LANSING, MICHIGAN: 

WHO:
U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08)
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical
Eric Schneidewind, Delta Township resident and senior on Medicare
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Care Free Medical Lansing: 1100 W Saginaw St Suite 5, Lansing, MI 48915

WHEN: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

WEDNESDAY

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: 

WHO:
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
Lt. Governor. Mandela Barnes
Attorney General Josh Kaul
David M., Milwaukee resident
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Sherman Phoenix: 3536 W Fond Du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53216

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 9:30 AM CT

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN: 

WHO:
Governor Tony Evers (D-WI)
Vik V., NE Wisconsin Resident
Dr. Kristin Lyerly, MD/MPH
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Leicht Memorial Park: 128 Dousman St, Green Bay, WI 54303

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 3:00 PM CT

THURSDAY

EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN: 

WHO:
State Senator Brad Pfaff
State Representative Sara Rodriguez
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Brick House Pub: 2233 Birch St, Eau Claire, WI 54703

WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM CT

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA: 

WHO:
U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
U.S. Representative. Angie Craig (D-MN-02)
U.S. Representative Dean Phillips (D-MN-03)
MNSure CEO Nate Clark
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155

WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM CT

FRIDAY

DES MOINES, IOWA: 

WHO:

Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: Iowa State Capitol: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2022

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS: 

WHO:
U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03)
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: 

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2022 at 3:30 PM CT

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
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 7, 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, Kansas 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
Boulder/Fort Collins, 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/

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), 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) Headlined “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour Events

On the first week of Protect Our Care’s 12,000-mile “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” made 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 discussed  how the bill could save families thousands of dollars a year on health care. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives. Next week, the tour continues in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas. 

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Here

BANGOR, ME:

Protect Our Care was joined by Attorney General Aaron Frey, Ann Woloson from Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Marie Follayttar Smith from Mainers for Accountable Leadership, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Pierce Park.

Coverage

• WFVX: “Lower Cost Better Care” Bus Tour Kicks off in Bangor
• WABI: Protect Our Care Bus Makes Its First Stop In Bangor
• WVII (Video): Affordable Health Care Bus Tour

Watch the event here.

PORTSMOUTH, NH

At Prescott Park, Protect Our Care held a press conference with the U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Zandra Rice Hawkins from Granite State Progress, Nancy Glynn from MomsRising, Joan Jacobs, breast cancer patient & senior on Medicare, Health care advocate Ansley Womble, Protect Our Care NH State Director Jayme Simões, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate. 

Watch the event here.

CONCORD, NH

At New Hampshire State House, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH-02), Hanan Babikir Bedri from NH Public Health Association, Gail Brown from NH Oral Health Coalition, Zandra Rice Hawkins from Granite State Progress, Lyn Lindpaintner from Kent Street, Lisa Beaudoin from ABLE NH, Nancy Glynn from MomsRising, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate.

Coverage

• WMUR: Kuster, Burns Share Competing Ideas on Cutting Costs of Prescription Drugs
• Concord Monitor: Bus Tour Touting Health Care Laws Hits Concord 

Watch the event here.

HARTFORD, CT

At the Connecticut State House, Protect Our Care was joined by Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ayesha R. Clarke from Health Equity Solutions, Deby Gould, a Connecticut health insurance broker, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist, for a press conference.

Coverage

• CT News Junkie: Lamont, Advocates Highlight Federal Premium Subsidies With The Cost of Care Rising

Watch the event here. 

SCRANTON, PA

Protect Our Care held a press conference with Senator Bob Casey, Representative Matt Cartwright (D-08), Robin Stelly for Pennsylvania Health Access Network, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist.

Coverage

• WBRE: ‘Care Force One’ Stops in Scranton With Cartwright and Casey in Tow
• WOLF (Video): Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright Join Care Force One in Scranton to Talk Lower Drug Costs
• WYOU (Video): Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright Join POC Bus Tour in Scranton
• WBRE (Video): Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright Join POC Bus Tour in Scranton
• WYOU-TV (CBS): Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright speak on inflation reduction act 
• WYOU-TV (CBS): Sen. Casey, Rep. Cartwright Join POC Bus Tour in Scranton
• WBRE-TV (NBC): Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright Join Protect Our Care Bus in Scranton 
• WBRE-TV (NBC): Sen. Casey and Rep. Cartwright Join Protect Our Care’s Lower Premiums, Better Health Care Bus Tour 
• Fox 56: Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright Highlight Inflation Reduction Act

Watch the event here.

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Protect Our Care held a press conference with Councilmember Helen Gym and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist.

Coverage

• WPVI (Video): Councilmember Helen Gym and Advocates Tout Inflation Reduction Act in Philadelphia

Watch the event here.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-06), Laura Waddell for New Jersey Citizen Action, and New Brunswick Mayor James M. Cahill.

Coverage

• News 12 New Jersey: Protect Our Care Nationwide Bus Tour in New Brunswick, Middlesex County
• NJ Spotlight News: Advocates Celebrate Lowering of Health Care Costs

MARLTON, NJ

Protect Our Care held a press conference with Congressman Andy Kim (D-03), Laura Waddell for NJ Citizen Action, Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, Willingboro Senior Center Director Reva Foster, and Myra Hirschhorn. 

PITTSBURGH, PA

At the Pittsburgh City County Building, Protect Our Care held a press conference with State Rep. Dan Frankel, Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist, and Erin Gabriel.

MORGANTOWN, WV

At Mylan Park, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Michael Garcia, Regional Representative for Senator Manchin, Dr. Jessica Ice for WVAHC, Delegate Barbara Fleischauer, Delegate John Williams, Delegate Danielle Walker, Delegate Evan Hansen, Laura Packard, Mindy Salango, and Lynette Maselli for Protect Our Care WV.

For more information on the Protect Our Care “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour visit https://www.protectourcare.org/bus-tour/.

Washington DC — Today, U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced legislation to repeal the most popular provision of the Inflation Reduction Act: Medicare negotiation. Giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices will drive down costs for millions of seniors and save the taxpayers $98.5 billion. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“This bill is a complete travesty. GIving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices is a commonsense, overwhelmingly popular measure to lower costs and deliver relief to millions of American seniors. Yet Republicans are once again showing their true colors: they want to turn their backs on seniors and instead line the pockets of big drug companies and their CEOs, who have no problem ripping off taxpayers and forcing Americans to pay two to three times what consumers in other countries pay for the same drugs. The bottom line is if Republicans have their way, they will repeal the Inflation Reduction Act entirely, hiking costs for families and ripping away lifesaving health care from those who need it most.” 

Background:

Medicare Negotiating Power Will Decrease Costs for Millions.

• Currently over 46.6 million Americans are enrolled with Medicare Part D, making Medicare one of the largest used government services in the country, especially within marginalized communities with Black Medicare beneficiaries nearly 1.5 times as likely to struggle affording prescriptions and twice as likely to stop taking medications due to cost.
• Over $407 billion is spent annually on prescription drugs, but with the ability to negotiate down prices, Medicare could potentially save taxpayers billions while also reducing out-of-pocket costs as Medicare premiums fall.
• With new studies showing enrolling in Medicare reduces economic anxiety while increasing health care usage, lowering total costs through this negotiating power and increasing access is more critical than ever.

Republican Leadership Is All In On Repealing Lower Drug Prices And Premiums 

• HEADLINE: “House GOP Eyes Repeal Of Dems’ Drug Pricing Law” [Axios, 9/23/22] 
• Rep. Kevin Brady:  “Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, indicated repealing the drug pricing law is a likely agenda item. ‘Because those drug provisions are so dangerous, by discouraging investment in life-saving cures, I would imagine that will be a top priority for Republicans in the new session,’ he said.” 
• Rep. Jason Smith:  “As of now, the top two contenders to lead the Ways and Means Committee are Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), ranking Republican of the House Banking Committee, and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), who is seen as the Republican next in line. […]  Smith told Axios in a phone interview he thinks Republicans should leverage debt limit negotiations to ‘reverse’ the administration’s ‘radical’ policies — including by sending a bill gutting the Democratic agenda to President Biden’s desk and daring him to reject it. ‘If Republicans are trying to cut spending, surely he wouldn’t try to default. If we were trying to bring down inflation … trying to secure our border, surely he wouldn’t default,’ Smith said.”
• Rep. Buddy Carter: “We’ve been asking that question not only about student debt loans, but also about a number of initiatives that have been instigated and put into place by the Biden administration, just like in the Inflation Acceleration Act that I mentioned before with the prescription drug pricing. That is something I’m very interested in as a pharmacist. I’ve been asking my colleagues, ‘How are we going to undo that when we get into the majority?’”

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2022***

Care Force One Rolls into New Jersey on Thursday to Celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s Health Care Measures

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington DC — On day four of Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., (D-NJ 6th District), and U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ 3rd District) will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for events in New Brunswick, NJ, and Marlton, NJ, 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. 

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

WHO:
Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., (D-NJ 6th District)
Brad Woodhouse, Executive Director, Protect Our Care
Laura Waddell, New Jersey Citizen Action
Mayor James M. Cahill, City of New Brunswick

WHERE: Care Force One, Buccleuch Park, 321 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10:30 AM ET

MARLTON, NJ

WHO:
Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ 3rd District)
Brad Woodhouse, Executive Director, Protect Our Care
Laura Waddell, NJ Citizen Action
Commissioner Allison Eckel, Burlington County
Reva Foster, Director Senior Center, Willingboro
Myra Hirschhorn, Constituent and Health Care Advocate

WHERE: Care Force One, Evesham Municipal Complex, 984 Tuckerton Rd, Marlton, NJ 08053

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

***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