HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-05), Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06), U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Peter Welch (VT-AL), Charlie Crist (FL-13), Darren Soto (FL-09), Susan Wild (PA-07), Susie Lee (NV-03), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
Over the last two weeks, Protect Our Care hosted events across the nation with national lawmakers and health care advocates to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. These measures will deliver long-overdue relief to working families and seniors, and it will address the deep racial inequities in our health care system. Last week, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, overcoming unified Republican opposition and record lobbying from Big Pharma and other special interests to finally put people over profits. More information on The Inflation Reduction Act can be found here.
NATIONAL
On Friday, August 12, Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-05) and U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) joined Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference ahead of the House vote on the Inflation Reduction Act. The legislation takes critical steps to lower health care premiums and prescription drug costs for the American people. Watch the event here.
Coverage:
- The Hill: Health Care — House passes sweeping bill with health measures
- The National News: US House passes Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act
- Just The News: House Democrats reject GOP amendment to prevent hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents
- Politico: Pausing recess — Dems’ big bill hits the House
- Washington Post: Trump Mar-a-Lago search goes nuclear
On Tuesday, August 9, U.S. Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) joined patient advocates and Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act’s critical measures to lower health care premiums and prescription drug costs for the American people. You can watch the event here.
ARIZONA
On Wednesday, August 17, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined AARP State Director, Dana Kennedy, Protect Our Care Arizona storyteller Kathy Saulsberry, and Arizona advocates at the Arizona AARP headquarters to discuss what the historic passage of the Inflation Reduction Act will mean for Arizonans struggling with high prescription drug and health care costs. “After decades of politicians from both parties promising that they would get this done, we got this across the finish line for Arizonans and the American people who have been waiting way too long,” said Senator Kelly during the roundtable. You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- AZ Family/CBS 5: Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly weighs in on Inflation Reduction Act
- ABC15: Inflation Reduction Act is ‘good news for all of us,’ Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego says
- Public News Service: Inflation Reduction Act to Save Seniors Millions on Drug Costs
- KJZZ: Sen. Mark Kelly joins AARP to celebrate changes to Medicare prescription drugs
On Thursday, August 18, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra hosted a roundtable in Phoenix, Arizona, supported by Protect Our Care Arizona. The roundtable focused on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality health care. During the roundtable, the Secretary highlighted key health care wins in the Inflation Reduction Act, including new HHS authorities that will make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
COLORADO
On Tuesday, August 9, Protect Our Care Colorado joined Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper to celebrate Senate passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Bennet and Hickenlooper secured critical resources and provisions in the historic legislation to lower health care and prescription drug costs, tackle climate change, reduce the U.S. deficit, and help fight inflation for hard-working Coloradans. You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- Colorado Public Radio: Bennet, Hickenlooper help pass Democrat’s climate, health and tax bill
- The Denver Channel: Democrats laud coming impact Inflation Reduction Act will have on Colorado
- Real Vail: Senate passes IRA with largest ever investment in climate rescue infrastructure
- Colorado Times Recorder: Colorado Democrats, environmental groups cheer Senate passage of ‘historic’ climate bill
- AccessWire: Colorado VNA receives 2.3 million grant to expand CAPABLE program Denver Post: Colorado’s U.S. Senate candidates spar over $433 billion climate bill
- Axios: Colorado is a battleground for how to frame new bill
FLORIDA
On Wednesday, August 10, U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-09) joined Protect Our Care Florida to discuss Senate Democrats passing the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. “The advance premium tax credit appears to be saved and extended for three years– to 2025– under the Inflation Reduction Act. This is a huge win for Florida that is imminent,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “It means brighter days are ahead. Lower costs. Better healthcare. And a brighter future.” You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- WMFE NPR: Central Florida healthcare advocates call for passage of Inflation Reduction Act
- Florida Phoenix: U.S. drug price controls could kneecap DeSantis’ Canada prescription import plan
On Thursday, August 18, U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-FL-13) joined Protect Our Care Florida along with health care advocates to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. “Florida is the biggest winner from the Inflation Reduction Act, with huge savings for Floridians, no thanks to Republicans like Ron DeSantis,” said Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL-13th). “But make no mistake, where Republicans failed, Florida Democrats in Congress stepped up and delivered. This bill is a home run; it is common sense. It addresses our most pressing healthcare challenges, and it brings costs down.” You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- Florida Politics: Inflation Reduction Act is the law, but partisan politicking continues
- WCJB-TV (ABC 20): Rep. Chris Discusses How Inflation Reduction Act will Benefit FL Seniors
- WESH-TV(NBC 2): Rep. Crist to Discuss Lower Drug Costs with Seniors
- WCJB-TV (ABC 20): Gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried campaigns in Gainesville by touring in a bus
GEORGIA
On Wednesday, August 17, Protect Our Care Georgia supported a virtual press conference to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act will lower health care costs, reduce energy costs, and fight inflation without raising taxes a single penny for middle class Georgians – while all eight of Georgia’s House Republicans voted to stand with Big Pharma and special interests instead of Georgia families. “Yesterday, President Biden’s signature of the Inflation Reduction Act capped off months of intensive efforts by congressional Democrats to get a historic package across the finish line – that boldly takes on special interests to tackle inflation, cuts health care and energy costs for millions of Americans, all without raising taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year,” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “One victory Georgians can be particularly proud of is this legislation’s provisions to finally allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors, and cap the cost of insulin for Medicare recipients who rely on it. Big Pharma has fought tooth and nail to stop these things from ever becoming law. But Democrats fought and secured their passage, and the president’s signature yesterday enshrined them into the books of law.” You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- Local 3 News: Georgia Democrats on Inflation Reduction Act
NEW HAMPSHIRE
On Tuesday, August 9, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) held a press conference at Amoskeag Health with local health care advocates, medical professionals and area residents impacted by pharmaceutical costs to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last weekend by the U.S. Senate. “This bill will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for not just Medicare patients, but consumers across the board by putting pressure on Big Pharma to lower their prices,” said Senator Hassan.
Coverage:
- Manchester Ink Link: Hassan joins local advocates in touting Inflation Reduction Act’s passage
NEW JERSEY
On Thursday, August 11, Protect Our Care joined Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) at a press conference in Woodbridge with local elected leaders and health care advocates on the Inflation Reduction Act.“The Inflation Reduction Act is one of the most significant pieces of health care legislation to move through Congress in over a decade. It finally breaks Big Pharma’s monopoly on prescription drug prices. No one should have to choose between paying for life saving medications or food and rent,” said Rep. Pallone. “Importantly, it will help ensure seniors are no longer ripped off at the pharmacy counter by capping both their annual out-of-pocket drug spending as well as how much they can be charged for insulin. It also penalizes Big Pharma companies for unfairly hiking prices on seniors.” You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- Central Jersey: Congressman Frank Pallone highlights Inflation Reduction Act
- News 12 New Jersey: Congress considers bill to lower cost of prescription drugs, health care for seniors
On Monday, August 15, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-09) and health care advocates joined Protect Our Care New Jersey to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. “Last week Democrats passed one of the most significant acts by Congress in history. In one fell swoop we made the largest investment in fighting climate change ever, brought down inflation, increased tax fairness, and reduced prescription drug prices for millions of Americans,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell. “This bill is a victory for those who cannot afford life-saving medication. It is a win for those struggling to pay for insurance. It is a gamechanger for small business owners like Patrick Hall faced with high premiums. I could not be more proud of the work we put in to pass this bill. It is damning beyond all comprehension that not a single Republican in all of Congress voted for this. Yet, with or without them, we will continue to create lasting change for the American people.” You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- New Jersey Globe: Inflation Reduction Act will lower drug costs, Pascrell says
- WPIX: Congressman Pascrell and Health Care Advocates Discuss Legislation Headed to President Biden’s Desk
- WMBC-TV: Lowering Healthcare Costs
NEVADA
- On Friday, August 19, Friday, August 19 HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, Governor Steve Sisolak, and Protect Our Care Nevada organized a roundtable in Reno, Nevada with Governor Steve Sisolak. The roundtable focused on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality health care. During the roundtable, the Secretary highlighted key health care wins in the Inflation Reduction Act, including new HHS authorities that will make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
Coverage:
- KRNV: U.S. Health and Human Services secretary talks prescription drugs, mental health in Reno
- KTVN: HHS Secretary Becerra, Governor Sisolak participate in Inflation Reduction Act Roundtable
- Indy DC Download: Ahead of election, Democrats tout perks of Inflation Reduction Act
- KTVN-TV (CBS): HHS Sec. Becerra and Gov. Sisolak host prescription drugs roundtable
OHIO
On Wednesday, August 1, State Representative Brigid Kelly and health care advocates joined Protect Our Care Ohio to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. “Ensuring people have real access to health care – I’m talking about coverage they can actually afford to use – is a hard fight, made even more difficult when elected leaders choose to create barriers to care instead of making coverage easier to obtain,” said State Representative Brigid Kelly. “But now, Democrats in Congress have passed – and President Biden has signed – The Inflation Reduction Act, which will lower costs and improve health care for millions of Americans.” You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- Gongwer: Advocates Hope Federal Law Leads To Broader Affordable Insulin Access
- WBNS: Ohio Leaders Address Health Care Costs
- WBNS: How Inflation Reduction Act Helps Ohioans
PENNSYLVANIA
On Thursday, August 11, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-07) joined Protect Our Care Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Health Access Network, For Our Future PA, and Family Friendly Pennsylvania to emphasize the need for Congress to lower prescription drug costs by passing the Inflation Reduction Act. Rep. Wild has been a national leader on this issue both in the House and in pressuring the Senate to take action. Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act will allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time in history, limit onerous price hikes, and cap seniors’ drug costs. These actions are vital to fixing the broken system that all too often forces patients to choose between paying the bills and affording the drugs they need. You can watch the event here.
Coverage:
- WFMZ-TV 69 (Philadelphia): Susan Wild Discusses Inflation Reduction Act with Health Care Advocates
- WFMZ-TV 69 (Philadelphia): Rep. Susan Wild Discusses IRA Lower Rx Drug Cost Measures with Constituents
On Thursday, August 18, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined local health care advocates to discuss what the historic passage of the Inflation Reduction Act will mean for Pennsylvania seniors struggling with high prescription drug costs. “The high cost of insulin is a horror for so many Americans and we had the chance in this bill that passed — and thankfully the whole bill passed — but we had a moment where the bill that went to the Senate floor had the same $35 cap for all Americans. We needed Republican votes and we couldn’t get those votes, so the reason it’s not in the bill is the fault of one party in the United States. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going to keep fighting the fight,” said Senator Casey.
Coverage:
- WGAL: Sen. Bob Casey discusses how new law will lower health care costs for seniors
- WHTM-HAR (ABC): Sen. Casey Discusses How IRA Will Benefit PA Seniors
- WGAL-HAR (NBC): Sen. Casey Meets with Seniors on IRA Rx Drug Reforms
- WHTM-HAR (ABC): Sen. Casey Calls Out Republicans for Blocking Reforms to Lower Cost of Insulin
- WPMT-HAR (FOX): Sen. Casey Meets with Seniors Who Will Benefit from IRA Health Measures
- 21 News (CBS): Rising Insulin Prices Cause Growing Concern
- Penn Live: Senator Casey Touts Legislative Success in Harrisburg
WEST VIRGINIA
On Thursday, August 18, Protect Our Care West Virginia joined with health care experts for a press conference to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums for West Virginians. “The Inflation Reduction Act will be a game-changer for millions of people,” said Lynette Maselli, state director of Protect Our Care West Virginia. “Medicare will have the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, millions of seniors will save thousands of dollars a year and will no longer have to choose between paying the bills and affording their lifesaving prescriptions, and middle-class families will save on their health insurance premiums. And all of this at a time when Americans are looking for relief from rising prices.”
Coverage: