***VIRTUAL RALLY ON SEPTEMBER 14 AT 4:00 PM ET // 3:00 PM CT***
Senator Klobuchar to Headline Virtual Rally for Standing Up to Big Pharma and Giving Medicare the Power to Negotiate for Lower Drug Prices
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Will Join Health Care Storytellers and Advocates from Across the Country To Show the Growing Momentum for Keeping Medicare Negotiation in Upcoming Budget Legislation
Washington, DC — On Tuesday, September 14 at 4:00 PM ET // 3:00 PM CT Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will headline a virtual rally with Protect Our Care to illustrate the growing momentum for giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices. Health care advocates from across the country will share their personal stories and demonstrate the dire need for lawmakers to take action to lower drug prices. Voters across the political spectrum agree Medicare negotiation is a critical step to lower drug costs and improve care for all Americans.
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 rally will make clear that Democrats will not cower to the demands of drug companies and will deliver on their promises to the American people.
Virtual Rally:
WHO: U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Iesha Meza, patient storyteller from Arizona Travis Paulson, patient storyteller from Eleveth, Minnesota Mindy Salango, Type 1 diabetic and patient storyteller from Morgantown, West Virginia Nedra Fortson, Executive Director of Samaritan Clinic and nurse practitioner from Georgia Jay Gupta, Director of Pharmacy at Harbor Care in New Hampshire Dustin Klein, patient storyteller from Milwaukee, Wisconsin Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care
WHAT: Virtual Rally for Giving Medicare the Power to Negotiate for Lower Drug Prices
Washington, D.C. — Today, during the markup of the Build Back Better Act, Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee approved a measure to expand Medicare benefits to include vision, hearing, and dental by a 24-19 vote. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse released the following statement.
“When millions of Americans benefit from these improvements to Medicare, they can thank Democrats. Expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, hearing, and dental has been a key priority of President Biden and Democrats in Congress, and they should be applauded for this bold legislation that is the largest expansion of Medicare in decades. Seniors will remember that every Republican on the committee stood in the way of these provisions. Once again, Republicans have shown their true colors by showing no interest in improving health care for the American people – even seniors, a group they proclaim to champion.
Commonwealth Analysis Says Millions Would Benefit from ACA Enhancements and Closing Medicaid Coverage Gap
Washington, D.C. — As Democrats in Congress work to include key health care priorities in upcoming budget legislation, the Commonwealth Fund released a new report showing that seven million Americans would gain coverage by passing ACA enhancements and closing the Medicaid coverage gap. Every single state would see a drop in their uninsured population, with the most significant declines in the 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid, and premiums on the ACA marketplaces would fall by an average 18 percent. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement:
“Under the leadership of President Biden, Democrats are working tirelessly to lower costs and strengthen health care for every American. This fall, Congress has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the lives of millions by giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing, and further reducing health care premiums for families purchasing coverage through the ACA. The Commonwealth Fund report shines a bright light on the sweeping impact just a handful of these policies can have. It is imperative that lawmakers work quickly to pass all of these health reforms to ensure healthcare is a right for every American.”
Making ARPA premium subsidies permanent and filling the Medicaid coverage gap would reduce the number of people without insurance by nearly one-quarter, or 7.0 million people, in 2022.
All states would see a drop in their uninsured population, with the largest percentage declines in states that have not yet expanded Medicaid eligibility.
Enrollment in subsidized marketplace plans would nearly double, while premiums would fall by 18 percent on average.
Washington, D.C.– Last night, the House Energy and Commerce Committee released legislative text for one of the most pressing priorities in health care: closing the Medicaid coverage gap. Nationwide, millions of adults in 12 states lack insurance coverage because of Republican leaders’ refusal to expand Medicaid. This includes older adults, people with disabilities, and working families. The vast majority of those stuck in the coverage gap are people of color. This legislation would ensure all of these individuals have access to affordable coverage. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse released the following statement:
“Democrats are delivering on their promises to lower health costs and improve care. In most states, Medicaid expansion is a lifeline; it reduces racial disparities in health care, creates healthier communities and strengthens economies. Closing the coverage gap is the single most important thing Congress can do to address the inequities laid bare by the pandemic. This legislation will drive down uninsured rates in states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia, where we’ve seen devastating health care outcomes simply because patients cannot afford care. We commend Chairman Pallone and all the Democrats on the committee for their hard work to improve health care access for our nation’s most vulnerable.”
Background:
Closing The Coverage Gap Will Expand Access To 5.8 Million Uninsured Americans In Non-Expansion States. The Energy and Commerce Committee’s plan to close the Medicaid coverage gap through establishing federal Medicaid programs in non-expansion states and reducing health care premiums through reinsurance programs would drop the number of uninsured Americans by nearly 6 million people. These provisions and making the American Rescue Plan Act subsidies permanent would decrease uninsured Black individuals by 33.5 percent, Latino/Hispanic individuals by 15.7 percent, Asian/Pacific Islander individuals by 16.7 percent, and American Indian and Alaskan Natives by 23.6 percent.
Medicaid Improves Health Outcomes And Reduces Mortality. A study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that Medicaid expansion reduced mortality in people aged 20 to 64 by 3.6 percent. Medicaid expansion also 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.
Medicaid Expansion Reduces Income Inequality and Lowers Health Costs
Reduced Income Inequality And Medical Debt. Medicaid expansion under the ACA caused a “significant” reduction in poverty and reduced income inequality across the board by 5.3 percent. In states that have expanded Medicaid, the chance of accruing medical debt is 20 percent lower than non-expansion states. Additionally, a 2018 National Bureau of Economic Research analysis found that Medicaid expansion led to a nearly $6 billion decline in unpaid medical bills and to higher credit scores.
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden administration unveiled a comprehensive plan to bring down prescription drug costs. The plan, released by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, emphasizes the administration’s support for legislative action to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices for all Americans. Additionally, the proposal includes limiting price increases, capping drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and investing in research for new drugs. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse released the following statement:
“The Biden administration’s plan will transform the lives of millions of families struggling to afford lifesaving medications. Lowering drug costs has consistently ranked a top concern of voters across parties, and President Biden is using every tool at his disposal to deliver long-overdue relief to families. Both the legislative and executive reforms will put an end to the broken system that puts Big Pharma’s profits over Americans’ health. Most notably, giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices will save patients more than $150 billion at the pharmacy counter and create $500 billion in savings for the federal government that could be reinvested in strengthening health care for even more Americans. It is imperative that Congress include these provisions outlined by President Biden, including Medicare negotiation, in the reconciliation package — it’s not only smart policy but it’s the right thing to do.”
Washington, D.C. — Protect Our Care released a new video following the 8,600-mile, 31-event, 16-state “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour that concluded last week. Care Force One traveled from Maine to California to demonstrate the urgent need to lower health costs, expand coverage, and reduce racial disparities in care. The video features news clips and highlights from the tour, where dozens of national and local elected officials promoted the work of President Biden and Democrats as they work to include critical health care measures in upcoming budget 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. This fall, lawmakers have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve health care for American families across the nation.
Read all of the “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour coverage here.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Peter Welch, (D-VT-AL), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08), Annie Kuster (D-NH-02), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-AL), Charlie Crist (D-FL-13), Val Demings (D-FL-10), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Katie Porter (D-CA-45), and Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) Along With State & Local Elected Officials and Storytellers Headlined “Care Force One” Stops In 16 States
Washington, DC — Last week, Protect Our Care’s 8,600-mile, 31-event, 16-state “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour came to a close after “Care Force One” drove from Maine to California to demonstrate the urgent need to lower health costs including for drugs and insurance premiums, expand coverage, and reduce racial disparities in care. Events were headlined by 13 members of Congress, 40 state and local elected officials, and 42 health care advocates and storytellers. Throughout the tour, national and local elected officials promoted the work of President Biden and their Democratic colleagues who are leading the charge to advance American health care. Coverage makes clear American families are demanding relief and want lawmakers to act now so health care is a right, not a privilege.
“With President Biden and Democrats’ Build Back Better agenda, America has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve health care by lowering costs and expanding coverage for millions of Americans,” said Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse. “The combination of lowering prescription drug costs by giving Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies, closing the Medicaid expansion coverage gap, permanently extending premium tax credits that were expanded in the American Rescue Plan, and adding benefits for dental, vision and hearing in Medicare would do the most to improve American health care since the Affordable Care Act passed more than a decade ago. As the coverage of ‘Care Force One’ proves, Americans want better health care and lower costs and with the leadership of President Biden and Congressional Democrats, we’ll soon get the job done.”
Care Force One traveled to Bangor and Portland for events with Attorney General Aaron Frey, State Sen. Troy Jackson, State Rep. Joe Perry, State Sen. Stacy Brenner, State Rep. Colleen Madigan, and health care advocates.
Care Force One made stops in Allentown, Wilkes-Barre, and Pittsburgh for events headlined by Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08) andState Rep. Jessica Benham.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra,U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), State Sen. Loretta Weinberg, and Assemblyman John McKeon joined health care advocates for bus tour events in Teaneck, New Brunswick, and Burlington County.
During stops in Wilmington and Dover, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and State Treasurer Colleen Davis headlined events with State Senator Kyle Evans Gay, and State Representative Mimi Minor Brown and United Way of Delaware President & CEO Michelle Taylor.
Care Force One made stops in Morgantown and Charleston for events with Senator Richard Lindsay, Delegate Barbara Fleischauer, Delegate John Williams, Delegate Evan Hansen, Delegate Mike Pushkin, Delegate Kayla Young, and health care advocates.
Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, Youngstown Health Commissioner Erin Bishop, and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein joined health care advocates for bus tour events in Youngstown and Columbus.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul headlined events with State Senator Melissa Agard, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and local advocates during stops in Milwaukee and Madison.
Care Force One made stops in Raleigh and Charlotte for events with Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham, Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Senator Natalie Murdock, and health care advocates.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, State Senator Sonya Halpern, State Representative Rebecca Mitchell, and State Representative Derek Mallow joined health care advocates for events in Atlanta and Savannah.
FLORIDA
U.S. Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Val Demings (D-FL-10), Charlie Crist (D-FL-13), and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) headlined events in Orlando and Tampa.
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) joined State Senator Julie Gonzales, State Representative Iman Jodeh and health care advocates for an event in Denver.
Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy, State Representative Kelli Butler, and State Senator Kirsten Engel joined health care advocates for events in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson.
During stops in San Diego and Orange County, U.S. Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) and Katie Porter (D-CA-45) headlined events with Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan and health care advocates.
The “Lower Costs, Better Care” tour wrapped in Las Vegas, Nevada, with an event featuring State Representative Fabian Donate and State Assemblyman Edgar Flores.
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), U.S. Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) and Katie Porter (D-CA-54) joined State and Local Elected Officials to Headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” Events in Four States
Washington, DC — On the fourth and final week of Protect Our Care’s 8,600-mile, 36-event, 19-state “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” made stops in four states to demonstrate the urgent need to lower health costs including for drugs and insurance premiums, expand coverage, and reduce racial disparities in care. During each stop, national and local elected officials, including U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), U.S. Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) and Katie Porter (D-CA-54), headlined events alongside local lawmakers, health care advocates and storytellers promoting the work of President Biden and their Democratic colleagues who are leading the charge to advance American health care.
Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), State Senator Julie Gonzales, State Representative Iman Jodeh, cancer survivor and health care advocate Laura Packard, and local resident Mariah Zebrowski, at the Colorado State Capitol.
At Heritage Square, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Congressional District Director Keith Brekhus, Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy, and health care advocate Laura Packard.
Protect Our Care was joined by Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham, Action NC Executive Director Pat McCoy, DonnaMarie Woodson, Little Lobbyists Community Engagement Director Stacy Staggs, and Laura Packard for a press conference.
Protect Our Care was joined by Representative Sara Jacobs, Serving Seniors CEO Paul Downey, West Health’s Tim Lash, and health care advocate Laura Packard at a press conference.
In Tustin, Protect Our Care was joined by Representative Katie Porter, Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, health care access organizer Bryant Miramontes, and Laura Packard for a press conference.
Elected Officials Urge Congress to Stand Up to Big Pharma and Give Medicare the Power to Negotiate for Lower Drug Prices
This week, five New Jersey mayors sent a letter urging lawmakers to prioritize ensuring all Americans access to affordable, high-quality health care by including prescription drug pricing reform in the upcoming budget reconciliation language. These elected officials acknowledge Big Pharma’s grip on Washington and its attempts to protect its massive profits while Americans pay three times more for their prescriptions than people in other countries. Giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices would save patients more than $150 billion at the pharmacy counter and create $500 billion in savings for the federal government that could be reinvested in closing the Medicaid coverage gap, expanding Medicare benefits to include hearing, dental, and vision, and reducing health care premiums for Americans purchasing coverage on their own. Today’s coverage illustrates that support from local officials is essential in the fight to rein in prescription drug costs, expand coverage and reduce health care disparities.
HEADLINES
TAPInto Morristown: Morristown Mayor and Others Urge Biden, Congress to Pass Prescription Drug Reform with Medicare Negotiations. “In a letter sent to President Joe Biden and the congressional leadership, the five mayors urged the passing of a bold prescription drug reform that gives Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices for consumers. President Biden and the Democratic congressional leadership have already proposed giving Medicare such powers as part of the president’s Build Back Better agenda that Congress will be considering this fall. Local mayors and local elected officials are asking leaders in Washington to overcome the opposition of pharmaceutical companies to put the health of everyday people first.” [TAPInto Morristown, 9/1/21]
Hudson County View: Bhalla, Davis Join 3 Other N.J. Mayors Calling on Biden, Congress to Pass Prescription Drug Reform. “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finally bring down drug prices for American families. The anxiety of not being able to afford health care felt by American families across the country has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and there has never been a more urgent time to improve the health and well-being of American families. The time to act is now.” [The Hudson County View, 9/1/21]
Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) and Katie Porter (D-CA-45) Will Headline Protect Our Care’s Nationwide “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour Stops in San Diego and Tustin on Thursday
California — U.S.Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)will join health care advocates and experts for Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour stop in San Diego, California. Then, U.S. Representative Katie Porter (D-CA-45) and Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan will headline Tustin’s bus tour stop. Both events are part of Protect Our Care’s nationwide bus tour to call for lowering health costs, expanding coverage, and reducing racial disparities in care. Protect Our Care is fighting to ensure critical health care measures supported by President Biden remain in upcoming budget reconciliation legislation. At today’s event, speakers will convey the urgency to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices for all Americans.
