News

Speaker Pelosi, House Democrats Set To Unveil Historic Legislation To Lower Drug Prices While Trump And Congressional Republicans Continue Defending Status Quo And Protecting Big Pharma

Washington, DC – Following reports of the sweeping legislation set to be unveiled by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats to drastically lower prescription drug costs and hold insurance companies accountable, Protect Our Care executive director Brad Woodhouse released the following statement: 

“The landmark legislation Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have crafted is the most sweeping and comprehensive reform of prescription drug prices in modern history. By lifting the ban on Medicare negotiations for lower drug prices and introducing the strongest-yet measures to hold big pharma accountable for the rigged system they’ve created, this plan would take on the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. Too many families are struggling to afford either rent or pills, but this plan would take on the drug companies and reduce drug prices for every American – those on Medicare and those who are not. President Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to be relentless defenders of the status quo – protectors of drug and insurance company profits. Republicans gave new, record-breaking tax breaks to the biggest drug companies and will now almost certainly try to block Medicare negotiations to lower prices for the American people. 

“With this legislation, it’s clear that Speaker Pelosi and Democrats are taking seriously their commitment to ending the rigged system that keeps prices high, and their responsibility to ensure that no American goes broke trying to afford their prescriptions or access the care they need.” 

BACKGROUND: 

Drug Prices Are Surging Under Trump

Drug Prices In 2019 Surged Compared To The Year Before. With Hikes At 5 Times Inflation — “More Than 3,400 Drugs Have Boosted Their Prices In The First Six Months Of 2019.” “Price hikes on prescription drugs are surging in 2019, despite vows from the Trump administration to rein in pharmaceutical costs. So far in 2019, more than 3,400 drugs have boosted their prices, a 17% increase compared with the roughly 2,900 drug price increases at the same time in 2018, according to a new analysis by Rx Savings Solutions, a consultant to health plans and employers. The average price hike for those 3,400 drugs stands at 10.5%, or about 5 times the rate of inflation, the study found.” [CBS News, 7/1/19]

AARP Analysis Found Specialty Drug Prices Have Grown More Than Three Times Faster Than Inflation. “The prices of widely used specialty prescription drugs grew more than three times faster than general inflation in 2017…The new report found that the average annual price for a single specialty drug used on a chronic basis is now nearly $79,000, compared to $27,824 in 2006.” [AARP, 6/25/19] 

Insulin Costs Have Tripled Over The Past Decade. As costs continue to rise, as many as one in four of the 7.5 million Americans dependent on insulin are skipping or skimping on doses.

Despite Tough Rhetoric,  Trump And His Republican Allies Continue To Block Meaningful Reform.

Trump And His Republican Allies Continue To Block Medicare Negotiation For Lower Drug Prices. Even though  86 percent of Americans support allowing the federal government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries, Republicans refuse to allow Medicare to negotiate. A 2018 Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Democratic Committee report found that Medicare Part D could save $2.8 billion in a single year if it were allowed to negotiate drug prices. Although it would decrease both federal spending and beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, a policy allowing the federal government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries was recently blocked by Senate Republicans.

For more on Trump’s broken promises on drug pricing, click here.

Washington, DC – A new Gallup poll out today illustrates just how unpopular the drug industry is with the American public – ranking dead last in approval behind a slew of other big industries including oil and gas and big banks. It’s no surprise Pharma’s approval rating continues to plummet: Americans blame the industry for the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs all while they rake in massive profits thanks to the GOP’s tax bill give away. 

Despite its record-low popularity, Republicans in Congress continue to do the industry’s bidding by refusing to allow Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices and stonewalling legislation to lower health care costs at every turn. 

The Hill: Public’s view of drug companies sinks to record low in Gallup poll

Peter Sullivan // September 3, 2019 

The public’s view of the pharmaceutical industry has sunk to a record low in a new Gallup poll. 

The poll finds that 27 percent of the public has a positive view of the industry, compared to 58 percent with a negative view, for a net rating of negative 31 points. 

That is the lowest of any of the entities Gallup polled, below the federal government, at negative 27 points, the advertising industry at negative one, the legal field at positive five, and airlines at positive 19. 

The public’s favorability towards the pharmaceutical industry is at the lowest point since Gallup began polling the question in 2001. Just four years ago, the industry had a net positive rating of four points, but that has plummeted in the years since then. 

The hit to the industry’s image comes as both parties are increasingly lashing out at drug companies for their prices. 

Both Democrats and President Trump have made lowering drug prices a top priority and have attacked drug companies for their prices. 

It remains unclear whether Congress can actually agree on any action this year, given that many congressional Republicans remain resistant to taking aggressive action, and Democrats are pushing for more. 

The pharmaceutical industry remains a formidable force in lobbying and campaign contributions. 

As We Head Into Labor Day Weekend, a Reminder That Trump’s Lawsuit to Overturn Our Health Care Laws Threatens American Workers. 

Background: After failing to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Congress, President Trump and his allies went to court to completely overturn the law. The decision by an ultra-conservative Texas judge ruling the ACA unconstitutional has been widely criticized by legal scholars on both sides of the aisle. Yet at every turn, Republicans have continued to support the lawsuit and the full repeal of the ACA. As the case makes its way through the appeals process, Trump appears even more committed to his years-long quest to dismantle the health care system, putting American workers in harm’s way. 

Five Ways Trump’s Lawsuit Threatens Workers: 

1. 156 Million Americans Who Get Coverage Through An Employer Could Once Again Face Coverage Caps. If the ACA is overturned, insurance companies could once again limit how much their policies had to pay for coverage each year or over a lifetime, leaving people with potentially millions of dollars of medical bills. 
2. More Than 137 Million Americans—Including Those With Employer Coverage—Could Once Again Have To Pay For Preventive Care. Because of the ACA, private health plans must cover preventive services — like flu shots, cancer screenings, contraception, and mammograms – at no cost to consumers. This includes more than 137 million Americans who receive preventive care with no cost sharing, most of whom have employer coverage
3. Millions Of Working Americans Would Be Thrown Off Of Medicaid. About 17 million people have gained coverage through Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. More than six in ten (63%) adults with Medicaid are working either full or part-time.
4. Nursing Parents Would Lose Critical Workplace Protections. The ACA requires many employers to provide a private space—other than a bathroom—as well as reasonable break time for mothers to nurse. Without the ACA, nursing parents could lose access to these essential benefits.
5. More Than 60 Million People Could Lose 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 patients with no out-of-pocket costs. This has saved money for women and their families: women saved $1.4 billion on birth control pills alone in 2013. Should the Texas lawsuit overturn the health care law, employers would be allowed to select plans for their employees that do not cover birth control at all. As a result, 62.4 million women who now have access to birth control without copays stand to lose.

 

Three Weeks And 5,800-Plus Miles From Las Vegas To Atlanta With Nearly Two Dozen Stops in Between 

Over the last three weeks, Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 20-event, 12-state nationwide “Health Care Emergency” Tour traveled to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, Santa Fe, Pueblo, Aurora, St. Paul, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Lansing, Livonia, Bethlehem, Bangor, Portland, Concord, Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville, Atlanta and Harrisburg. During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act.

 

LAS VEGAS, NV:

August 5, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (NV-01) and Susie Lee (NV-03), cancer survivors and health care advocates Laura Packard and Joe Merlino, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada executive director Laura Martin, and representatives from the Offices of Congressman Steve Horsford (NV-04) and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto for a press conference at the SEIU Nevada Local 1107 office. 

U.S. Representative Dina Titus: “Today I attended the nationwide kickoff of the @ProtectOurCare bus tour to bring awareness to Republicans’ continued attacks on our healthcare system. That’s why I voted to let the House step in to protect the Affordable Care Act and the millions who depend on it. #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. Titus Twitter, 8/5/19]

U.S. Representative Susie Lee: “Proud to help kick off the #HealthCareEmergency Bus Tour with @ProtectOurCare! I’ve made it clear that I will fight any and every effort that threatens Nevadans’ access to quality and affordable healthcare. Great to see @lpackard back in NV!” [Rep. Lee Twitter, 8/8/19]

Las Vegas Review Journal: Democrats launch bus tour to highlight Affordable Care Act lawsuit

Watch the event here.

PHOENIX, AZ:

August 6, 2019 — Outside the Arizona State Capitol Building, Protect Our Care hosted a press conference with State House Democratic Leader Charlene Fernandez, ER physician and cancer research advocate Dr. Hiral Tipirneni, and health care advocate Laura Packard.

Leader Charlene Fernandez: “Make no mistake, while Democrats debate Medicare for All, Republicans continue to attack our current healthcare by working on a full repeal of Obamacare through the courts. We need to fight to #ProtectOurCare.” [Leader Fernandez Twitter, 8/6/19]

Dr. Hiral Tipirneni: “A big thanks to @ProtectOurCare for bringing their #HealthCareEmergency tour to Phoenix and highlighting this critical issue that we face. The health and well-being of our families should never be a partisan issue. #PeopleOverPolitics #AZ06.” [Dr. Tipirneni Twitter, 8/6/19]

KTAR: Report on Health Care Emergency Event in Phoenix

Watch the event here.

TUCSON, AZ:

August 7, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Tucson and held a press conference outside Planned Parenthood with Tucson PPFA executive director Genesis Cabillas, emergency medical physician Dr. Larry DeLuca, and health care advocates Alicia Held and Laura Packard. 

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick released a statement on the Tour stopping in Arizona’s 2nd congressional district: “After traveling the district, it’s clear that rising health care costs is a top concern for Arizona families; they want proactive solutions to fixing our health care system. As you may know, I am not afraid of taking a bold stance on health care. In 2009, I cast my proudest vote in support of the Affordable Care Act, which secured access for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. As the Trump administration continues to try and dismantle ACA protections and make health care coverage a wealthy privilege, my democratic colleagues are debating ways and passing legislation to make it more affordable. Southern Arizonans are all too familiar with the fear of losing their health care. I believe I’m fighting here today because our community knows how important it is to elect a healthcare leader. And my actions and votes prove that you can count on me to protect your care.” 

KVOA: “Health care advocates, residents and those fighting illnesses met this morning for the “Protect Our Care AZ Health Care Emergency” conference. Two women fighting illnesses spoke on the importance of the affordable care act.” [KVOA Twitter, 8/7/19]

Watch the event here.

SANTA FE, NM:

August 8, 2019 — Outside the New Mexico State Capitol building on Santa Fe, Protect Our Care was joined by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Attorney General Hector Balderas, and health care advocates Laura Packard and Lan Sena for a press conference.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham: New Mexico has fought back against efforts to dismantle the ACA & take away health care from millions: Protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions: Covering all essential benefits. Prohibiting junk health plans. Protecting New Mexicans from surprise billing.” [Gov. Lujan Grisham, 8/8/19]

Watch the event here.

PUEBLO, CO:

August 9, 2019 — Protect Our Care and health care advocate Laura Packard met with Hilary Glasgow, President of the Southern Colorado Labor Council, outside Senator Cory Gardner’s office in Pueblo to deliver a copy of the Shaheen Resolution, calling on him to denounce the Trump-Texas lawsuit and defend the ACA. The building’s management tried to keep Laura and members of the press from going up to Gardner’s office, and once Protect Our Care and the press arrived, Gardner’s district director showed us the door, forcefully asking us to leave.

The Pueblo Chieftain: Health advocacy group backs Affordable Care Act in Pueblo

Watch the event here.

AURORA, CO:

August 9, 2019 — In Aurora, Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Jason Crow (CO-06), State Rep. Dominique Jackson, and health care advocate Laura Packard for a press conference at the local Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library. 

U.S. Representative Jason Crow: “Coloradans don’t want us to play politics with their health care. Yet, the Administration’s Texas v. US lawsuit could hurt over 2 million Coloradans with pre-existing conditions. That’s unacceptable. I’ll keep working in Congress to fight against these attacks and #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. Crow Twitter, 8/11/19]

Watch the event here and here.

ST. PAUL, MN:

August 12, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (MN-04), Attorney General Keith Ellison, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States Sarah Stoesz, and health care advocates Laura Packard, Delores Flynn and Rachel Zemmer for a press conference outside the Minnesota AFL-CIO headquarters.

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum: “In the face of nonstop attacks on our health care from this administration & Republicans in Congress, my message is simple: I’m going to stand with you and keep fighting #ForThePeople. We must #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. McCollum Twitter, 8/13/19]

Attorney General Keith Ellison: “I defend the ACA for ppl w preexisting conditions; who got covered for the first time; who have no more lifetime caps; whose loved ones would die without it. I defended it in Congress & I’m defending it as AG. But the best defense is you-stand up, be heard.” [AG Ellison Twitter, 8/12/19]

WCCO: Dem Leaders Speak At ‘Protect Our Care’ Event

Watch the event here.

DES MOINES, IA:

August 12 2019 — Outside the Iowa State Capitol building, Protect Our Care hosted a press conference with State Representative John Forbes, Iowa Executive Director of Planned Parenthood North Central States Erin Davison-Rippey, and health care advocated Laura Packard. 

Iowa Starting Line: “The ACA Saved My Life.” Ernst Called Out On Health Care Votes

Watch the event here

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA:

August 13, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Cedar Rapids for a press conference outside Senator Grassley and Senator Ernst’s offices featuring health care advocates Cindy Garlock, Laura Packard, Robin Stone and Laura Wright.

Watch the event here. 

LANSING, MI:

August 14, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined outside the Michigan State Capitol for a press conference with State Sen. Curtis Hertel, State Rep. Sarah Anthony, State Rep. Julie Brixie, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical Lansing Dr. Farhan Bhatti, and health care advocates Tori Saylor and Laura Packard.

 

WLNS: A fight to protect health care comes to mid-Michigan

WILX: Bus makes stop in Lansing to rally about health care

Watch the event here.

LIVONIA, MI:

August 14, 2019 — U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11), State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, IHA CEO Dr. Mark LePage, and health care advocates Laura Packard and Andrea P. joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside St. Mary Mercy Hospital. 

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens: “This afternoon I went to Livonia to rally with #ProtectOurCare! We must protect the Affordable Care Act, lower healthcare costs for Americans, and protect people with pre existing conditions.” [Rep. Stevens Twitter, 8/14/19]

State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky: “Today I spoke with @HaleyLive at a press conference with @ProtectOurCare. If the Texas v. United States lawsuit finds the ACA to be unconstitutional, the effects will be disastrous in MI. Health care is a human right, and these attacks on it must end.” [State Rep. Pohutsky Twitter, 8/14/19]

Watch the event here.

BETHLEHEM, PA:

August 16, 2019 — U.S Representative Susan Wild (PA-07), State Rep. Peter Schweyer, Alvaro Castillo of PA Health Access Network and health care advocates Laura Packard and Mitch Lenett joined Protect Our Care for a press conference in historic Payrow Plaza. 

U.S. Representative Susan Wild: “I’m holding a press conference w/ @ProtectOurCare where we’re releasing critical info about the skyrocketing cost of diabetes medication in #PA07. Tune into https://facebook.com/ProtectOurCare/ to learn more and hear what we’re going to do about it. #HealthcareEmergency” [Rep. Wild Twitter, 8/16/19]

Lehigh Valley Live: ‘Medicine is just too damn expensive’: Rep. Susan Wild warns of a health care emergency

Watch the event here. 

BANGOR, ME:

August 19, 2019 — Protect Our Care was joined by State Rep. Joe Perry, State Rep. Barbara Cardone, State Sen. David Miramant, Mabel Wadsworth Center executive director Andrea Irwin, and National Alliance on Mental Illness clinical director Greg Marley for a press conference at the Bangor Public Library. 

WFVX Bangor: Lawmakers argue against Affordable Care Act lawsuit at Protect Our Care news conference

Watch the event here

PORTLAND, ME:

August 19, 2019 — At Portland City Hall, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Maine House Speaker Sarah Gideon, State Rep. Thom Harnett, State Sen. Catherine Breen, Nicole Clegg of Planned Parenthood New England and Jenna Mehnert of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Portland Press Herald: Democratic candidate Gideon attacks Sen. Collins over tax vote, ACA

Maine Beacon: Health care advocates blast Collins for vote to undermine Affordable Care Act

Watch the event here

CONCORD, NH:

August 20, 2019 — The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Concord for a press conference outside the New Hampshire State House with U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), Dr. Randy Hayes of the Kent Street Coalition, Dr. Nick Perencevich, and health care advocates Carrie Durran, Pepper Nappo and Audrey Gerkin. 

InDepthNH: Kuster, Advocates Want NH To Defend Affordable Care Act in Court

Watch the event here

RALEIGH, NC:

August 21, 2019 — State Sen. Floyd McKissick, State Sen. Terry Van Duyn, MomsRising Health Care Director Felicia Burnett, NC Justice Center Health Advocacy Project Director Nicole Dozier, and health care advocate Leslie Boyd joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside the federal courthouse in Raleigh. 

State Sen. Floyd McKissick: “Today, I participated in a press conference sponsored by a group known as “Protect Our Care” which is travelling across our country to inform people of the potentially devastating impacts of a case known as ‘Texas Vs United States.; The primary goal of this case is to legally sabotage the Affordable Care Act. The Trump Administration and its allies are supporting this case because they are seeking to do, through the court system, what they failed to accomplish through the legislative process, which is to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If this case is successful, over 20 million Americans will lose coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act, and approximately 503,000 people will lose coverage here in NC. This will lead to a 43% increase in the uninsured rate in our state. In addition, 130 million people with preexisting conditions will potentially lose coverage in America and approximately 3.9 million people with preexisting conditions could lose coverage right here in NC. [State Sen. McKissick Facebook, 8/21/19]

State Sen. Terry Van Duyn: “As a former ACA Navigator, I saw how people reacted to getting health insurance for the first time. Not only did it mean the promise of getting healthy, it also meant they could work more and provide better lives for themselves and their families. We must continue the fight to protect the Affordable Care Act and ensure that every American can afford their health care.” [State Sen. Van Duyn Facebook, 8/21/19]

NC Policy Watch: Lawmakers, citizens speak out against Affordable Care Act lawsuit

Watch the event here

CHARLOTTE, NC:

August 22, 2019 — In Charlotte, Protect Our Care was joined by Mecklenburg County Commissioner at-large Pat Cotham, President of Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP Corine Mack, State Rep. Carla Cunningham, Team TruBlue executive director Charles Robinson, and health care advocates Stacy Staggs and Rochelle Willensky for a press conference outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.

Commissioner Pat Cotham: “Looking forward to press conference on expanding the #AffordableCareAct @CharlotteNAACP1@ncnaacp #RightOfHealthCare @ProtectNCCare @ProtectOurCare.” [Commissioner Cotham Twitter, 8/22/19]

State Rep. Carla Cunningham: “Protect Our Care Press Conference. The ACA is what we have. Let’s improve it and stop attempting to dismantle it. We must make healthcare coverage work for all of us.” [State Rep. Cunningham Twitter, 8/22/19]

Watch the event here

ASHEVILLE, NC:

August 22, 2019 — Care Force One made its way to Asheville for a press conference outside City Hall with Mayor Esther Manheimer and health care advocates Leslie Boyd and Mallorie Hatcher. 

WLOS: ‘Protect Our Care’ bus tour stops in Asheville

Watch the event here

ATLANTA, GA:

August 23, 2019 — Inside the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Staci Fox, and health care advocates Anne Shoup and Rebecca Galanti. 

U.S. Representative Lucy McBath: “So glad to join @ProtectOurCare on the final stop of the #HealthCareEmergency tour. We will never stop the fight to protect the health of our communities & provide comprehensive care for all Americans.” [Rep. McBath Twitter, 8/23/19]

WSB-TV: Congresswoman Lucy McBath Joins Protect Our Care’s Emergency Health Care Tour

Watch the event here

HARRISBURG, PA:

August 28, 2019 — At the Pennsylvania State Capitol Rotunda, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Governor Tom Wolf, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, President of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania Matt Yarnell and health care advocates Cindy and Matthew Jennings joined Protect Our Care for a press conference.

Governor Tom Wolf: “With the federal government again threatening the #ACA, I’m standing with @ProtectOurCare and @SenBobCasey to defend health care for all. From expanding Medicaid to authorizing a state-based marketplace, I’ve taken action to #ProtectOurCare and will continue to do so.” [Gov. Wolf Twitter, 8/28/19]

Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ’We cannot afford to lose the Affordable Care Act’: Wolf, Casey lead health care rally

WGAL: Governor, senator push back against lawsuit to overturn Affordable Care Act

WGAL: NBC Harrisburg on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour

Erie News Now: Advocates, Lawmakers Rally to Support Affordable Care Act in Harrisburg

WHP: Gov. Wolf and Sen. Casey hold rally fighting for Affordable Care Act

MyChesCO: Gov. Wolf, Sen. Casey Rally for Affordable Care Act at “Protect Our Care” Event

WJAC-TV: WJAC TV News on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour

WJAC-TV 2: WJAC TV News on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour

WCAU: NBC Philadelphia on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour

WICU: NBC Erie on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour

WPMT: Fox Harrisburg on Protect Our Care’s Health Care Emergency Tour

Watch the event here

Watch all bus tour stops here. 

On the third and final week of Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 20-event, 13-state nationwide bus tour, “Care Force One” traveled to Bangor, Portland, Concord, Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville and Atlanta. During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act. 

BANGOR, ME:

Protect Our Care was joined by State Rep. Joe Perry, State Rep. Barbara Cardone, State Sen. David Miramant, Andrea Irwin (Executive Director, Mabel Wadsworth Center), and Greg Marley (Clinical Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness) for a press conference at the Bangor Public Library. 

WFVX Bangor: Lawmakers argue against Affordable Care Act lawsuit at Protect Our Care news conference

Watch the event here

PORTLAND, ME:

At Portland City Hall, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Maine House Speaker Sarah Gideon, State Rep. Thom Harnett, State Sen. Catherine Breen, Nicole Clegg of Planned Parenthood New England and Jenna Mehnert of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Portland Press Herald: Democratic candidate Gideon attacks Sen. Collins over tax vote, ACA

Maine Beacon: Health care advocates blast Collins for vote to undermine Affordable Care Act

Watch the event here

CONCORD, NH:

The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Concord for a press conference outside the New Hampshire State House with U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), Dr. Randy Hayes of the Kent Street Coalition, Dr. Nick Perencevich, and health care advocates Carrie Durran, Pepper Nappo and Audrey Gerkin. 

InDepthNH: Kuster, Advocates Want NH To Defend Affordable Care Act in Court

Watch the event here

RALEIGH, NC:

State Sen. Floyd McKissick, State Sen. Terry Van Duyn, MomsRising Health Care Director Felicia Burnett, NC Justice Center Health Advocacy Project Director Nicole Dozier, and health care advocate Leslie Boyd joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside the federal courthouse in Raleigh. 

State Sen. Floyd McKissick: “Today, I participated in a press conference sponsored by a group known as “Protect Our Care” which is travelling across our country to inform people of the potentially devastating impacts of a case known as ‘Texas Vs United States.; The primary goal of this case is to legally sabotage the Affordable Care Act. The Trump Administration and its allies are supporting this case because they are seeking to do, through the court system, what they failed to accomplish through the legislative process, which is to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If this case is successful, over 20 million Americans will lose coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act, and approximately 503,000 people will lose coverage here in NC. This will lead to a 43% increase in the uninsured rate in our state. In addition, 130 million people with preexisting conditions will potentially lose coverage in America and approximately 3.9 million people with preexisting conditions could lose coverage right here in NC. [State Sen. McKissick Facebook, 8/21/19]

State Sen. Terry Van Duyn: “As a former ACA Navigator, I saw how people reacted to getting health insurance for the first time. Not only did it mean the promise of getting healthy, it also meant they could work more and provide better lives for themselves and their families. We must continue the fight to protect the Affordable Care Act and ensure that every American can afford their health care.” [State Sen. Van Duyn Facebook, 8/21/19]

NC Policy Watch: Lawmakers, citizens speak out against Affordable Care Act lawsuit

Watch the event here

CHARLOTTE, NC:

In Charlotte, Protect Our Care was joined by Mecklenburg County Commissioner at-large Pat Cotham, President of Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP Corine Mack, State Rep. Carla Cunningham, Team TruBlue executive director Charles Robinson, and health care advocates Stacy Staggs and Rochelle Willensky for a press conference outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.

Commissioner Pat Cotham: “Looking forward to press conference on expanding the #AffordableCareAct @CharlotteNAACP1@ncnaacp #RightOfHealthCare @ProtectNCCare @ProtectOurCare.” [Commissioner Cotham Twitter, 8/22/19]

State Rep. Carla Cunningham: “Protect Our Care Press Conference. The ACA is what we have. Let’s improve it and stop attempting to dismantle it. We must make healthcare coverage work for all of 🇺🇸.” [State Rep. Cunningham Twitter, 8/22/19]

Watch the event here

ASHEVILLE, NC:

Care Force One made its way to Asheville for a press conference outside City Hall with Mayor Esther Manheimer, and health care advocates Leslie Boyd and Mallorie Hatcher. 

WLOS: ‘Protect Our Care’ bus tour stops in Asheville

Watch the event here

ATLANTA, GA:

At the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Staci Fox, and health care advocates Anne Shoup and Rebecca Galanti. 

Watch the event here

“Care Force One” Will Travel to Bangor, Portland, Concord, Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville and Atlanta for Events Highlighting the Health Care Emergency Created By Trump’s Lawsuit and Democrats’ Agenda to Improve Care and Lower Costs

Washington, DC — On the third and final week of Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 21-event, 13-state nationwide bus tour, “Care Force One” is continuing across the country for stops in  Bangor (ME), Portland (ME), Concord (NH), Raleigh (NC), Charlotte (NC), Asheville (NC) and Atlanta (GA). During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers will join Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Event participants will also discuss the Democratic agenda to lower costs and improve health care. 

Watch all bus tour stops live here. 

The week begins Monday morning in Bangor, ME:

WHO:
State Sen. David Miramant
State Rep. Joe Perry
State Rep. Barbara Cardone
Andrea Irwin, Executive Director, Mabel Wadsworth Center
Greg Marley, Clinical Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness
WHAT: “Protect Our Care Maine Health Care Emergency” Press Conference
WHERE: Care Force One, Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04401
WHEN: Monday, August 19 at 10:00 AM EST

And continues Monday afternoon in Portland, ME:

WHO:
State Rep. Sara Gideon, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives
State Sen. Catherine Breen
State Rep. Thom Harnett
Nicole Clegg, Vice President of Public Policy, Planned Parenthood New England
Jenna Mehnert, MSW, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness
WHAT:  “Protect Our Care Maine Health Care Emergency” Press Conference
WHERE: Care Force One, Portland City Hall, 389 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
WHEN: Monday, August 19th at 2:00 PM EST

Tuesday, Protect Our Care heads to Concord, NH:

WHO:
U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02)
Dr. Randy Hayes, Kent Street Collation
Dr. Nick Perencevich
Carrie Duran, mother of a child with pre-existing conditions
Pepper Nappo, Granite Stater who relies on the ACA for coverage
Audrey Gerkin, Little Lobbyists
Granite State Progress
Rights & Democracy NH
WHAT: “Protect Our Care New Hampshire Health Care Emergency” Press Conference
WHERE: Care Force One, Concord City Plaza, in front of NH Statehouse (Main Street) – Concord NH
WHEN: Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 at 10:00 AM EST

Wednesday, Protect Our Care heads to Raleigh, NC:

WHO:  State Senator Terry Van Duyn and others to be announced
WHAT: “Protect Our Care North Carolina Health Care Emergency” Press Conference
WHERE: Care Force One, Senator Tillis’ Raleigh Office, 310 New Bern Ave Ste 122, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
WHEN: Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 2:30 PM EST

Thursday morning, Protect Our Care heads to Charlotte, NC:

WHO:   
Mecklenburg County Commissioner at-large Pat Cotham
Stacy Staggs, Little Lobbyists
Kara Konrad, North Carolinian with a pre-existing condition
WHAT: “Protect Our Care North Carolina Health Care Emergency” Press Conference
WHERE: Care Force One, Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E 4th St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
WHEN: Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 10:00 AM EST

Thursday afternoon, Protect Our Care heads to Asheville, NC:

WHO:
Mallorie Hatcher, Little Lobbyists
Jackie Kiger, Pisgah Legal Services
Others to be announced
WHAT: “Protect Our Care North Carolina Health Care Emergency” Press Conference
WHERE: Care Force One, Pack Square Park 22 S Pack Sq, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
WHEN: Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 2:30 PM EST

The third and final week concludes Friday morning in Atlanta, GA:

WHO: U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) and others to be announced
WHAT: “Protect Our Care Georgia Health Care Emergency” Press Conference
WHERE: Care Force One, Georgia State Capitol, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
WHEN: Friday, August 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM EST

*Additional speakers to be added throughout the week

For more information on the Protect Our Care Health Care Emergency Bus Tour visit  https://www.protectourcare.org/bus-tour/ 

Watch all bus tour stops here. 

On the second week of Protect Our Care’s 5,800-mile, 20-event, 13-state nationwide bus tour, “Care Force One” traveled to St. Paul, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Lansing, Livonia and Bethlehem. During each stop, elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Americans’ health care and highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act.

ST. PAUL, MN:

Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (MN-04), Attorney General Keith Ellison, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States Sarah Stoesz, and health care advocates Laura Packard, Delores Flynn and Rachel Zemmer for a press conference outside the Minnesota AFL-CIO headquarters.

Attorney General Keith Ellison: “I defend the ACA for ppl w preexisting conditions; who got covered for the first time; who have no more lifetime caps; whose loved ones would die without it. I defended it in Congress & I’m defending it as AG. But the best defense is you-stand up, be heard.” [AG Ellison Twitter, 8/12/19]

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum: “In the face of nonstop attacks on our health care from this administration & Republicans in Congress, my message is simple: I’m going to stand with you and keep fighting #ForThePeople. We must #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. McCollum Twitter, 8/13/19]

WCCO: Dem Leaders Speak At ‘Protect Our Care’ Event

Watch the event here

DES MOINES, IA:

Outside the Iowa State Capitol building, Protect Our Care hosted a press conference with State Representative John Forbes, Iowa Executive Director of Planned Parenthood North Central States Erin Davison-Rippey, and health care advocated Laura Packard.

Iowa Starting Line: “The ACA Saved My Life.” Ernst Called Out On Health Care Votes

Watch the event here

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA:

The “Health Care Emergency Tour” rolled into Cedar Rapids for a press conference outside Senator Grassley and Senator Ernst’s offices featuring health care advocates Cindy Garlock, Laura Packard, Robin Stone and Laura Wright.

Watch the event here

LANSING, MI:

Protect Our Care was joined outside the Michigan State Capitol for a press conference with State Sen. Curtis Hertel, State Rep. Sarah Anthony, State Rep. Julie Brixie, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical Lansing Dr. Farhan Bhatti, and health care advocates Tori Saylor and Laura Packard.

WLNS: A fight to protect health care comes to mid-Michigan

WILX: Bus makes stop in Lansing to rally about health care

Watch the event here

LIVONIA, MI:

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11), State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, IHA CEO Dr. Mark LePage, and health care advocates Laura Packard and Andrea P. joined Protect Our Care for a press conference outside St. Mary Mercy Hospital.

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens: “This afternoon I went to Livonia to rally with #ProtectOurCare! We must protect the Affordable Care Act, lower healthcare costs for Americans, and protect people with pre existing conditions.” [Rep. Stevens Twitter, 8/14/19]

State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky: “Today I spoke with @HaleyLive at a press conference with @ProtectOurCare. If the Texas v. United States lawsuit finds the ACA to be unconstitutional, the effects will be disastrous in MI. Health care is a human right, and these attacks on it must end.” [State Rep. Pohutsky Twitter, 8/14/19]

WWJ: Speaking out against Texas lawsuit that would overturn the ACA, Protect Our Care, Nationwide Healthcare Emergency Bus tour stops in Livonia

Watch the event here

BETHLEHEM, PA:

U.S Representative Susan Wild (PA-07), State Representative Pete Schweyer, Alvaro Castillo of PA Health Access Network and health care advocates Laura Packard and Mitch Lenett joined Protect Our Care for a press conference in historic Payrow Plaza.

U.S. Representative Susan Wild: “I’m holding a press conference w/ @ProtectOurCare where we’re releasing critical info about the skyrocketing cost of diabetes medication in #PA07. Tune into https://facebook.com/ProtectOurCare/ to learn more and hear what we’re going to do about it. #HealthcareEmergency” [Rep. Wild Twitter, 8/16/19]

Lehigh Valley Live: ‘Medicine is just too damn expensive’: Rep. Susan Wild warns of a health care emergency

Watch the event here

The Protect Our Care “Health Care Emergency Tour” Continues In: 

Bangor, ME on Monday, August 19, 2019

Portland, ME on Monday, August 19, 2019

Concord, NH on Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Raleigh, NC on Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Charlotte, NC on Thursday, August 22, 2019

Asheville, NC on Thursday, August 22, 2019

Atlanta, GA on Friday, August 23, 2019

For more information on the Protect Our Care Health Care Emergency Bus Tour visit  https://www.protectourcare.org/bus-tour/

Washington, D.C. – According to Politico, in response to senior White House aid Kellyanne Conway’s insistence that a health care overhaul is forthcoming, CMS Administrator Seema Verma balked at Conway’s September timeline, saying “I think to some degree you’re seeing the plan in action, right? Every day we are implementing the president’s agenda on health care…” Leslie Dach, chair of Protect Our Care and former HHS official, issued the following statement in response:

“We are seeing President Trump’s plan in action: skyrocketing drug prices, gutting protections for pre-existing conditions, proposing billions in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and all the while giving tax breaks to the drug and insurance industries. We already know President Trump’s real health care agenda is the Texas lawsuit which would throw our health care system in chaos by ending protections for pre-existing conditions, stripping coverage from 20 million Americans, and raising costs across the board.”

Tonight, President Trump is holding a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, but Granite Staters will likely hear more lies instead of the truth about his health care agenda. Right now, President Trump and his Republican allies are trying to rip away our health care by going to court to eliminate the Affordable Care Act in its entirety. In 2018, a group of Republican attorneys general filed suit seeking to overturn the entire health care law. They were joined in this effort by the Trump administration, which is refusing to defend the law in court. The case is currently before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the health care of tens of thousands of Granite Staters hangs in the balance.  

Next Tuesday, Protect Our Care will host New Hampshire leaders and health care advocates as part of a nationwide bus tour to call for an end to the GOP’s continued war on Granite Staters’ health care and discuss Trump’s true agenda: to strip health care from millions of Americans. Speakers will highlight the dire emergency created by the Trump-Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act, contrasting it to Congresswoman Annie Kuster’s legislation to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions and Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s resolution that directs the Trump administration to reverse course and defend Americans’ access to vital care and comprehensive coverage. 

The Republican Health Care Emergency Hurts New Hampshire Families

If the Trump lawsuit is successful, it will strip coverage from millions of Americans, raise premiums, end protections for people with pre-existing conditions, put insurance companies back in charge, and force seniors to pay more for prescription drugs. This Republican health care emergency is threatening to unleash “chaos” in our entire health care system.  Here’s what’s at stake in New Hampshire: 

If Republicans Get Their Way, 89,000 Granite Staters Would Lose Their Coverage

• 89,000 Granite Staters could lose coverage. According to the Urban Institute, 89,000 Granite Staters would lose coverage by repealing the Affordable Care Act, leading to a 136 percent increase in the uninsured rate.
  • 43,000 Granite Staters in the 1st District could lose coverage.  The Center for American Progress estimates that 43,000 Granite Staters in the 1st Congressional District would have their coverage ripped away if the Republican lawsuit succeeds at striking down the entire ACA. 
• 9,000 New Hampshire young adults with their parents’ coverage could lose care. Because of the Affordable Care Act, millions of young adults are able to stay on their parents’ care until age 26.

If  Republicans Get Their Way, Insurance Companies Would Be Put Back In Charge, Ending Protections For More Than 550,000 Granite Staters With A Pre-Existing Condition

Before the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies routinely denied people coverage because of a pre-existing condition or canceled coverage when a person got sick. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, insurance companies will be able to do this again.

• 572,200 Granite Staters have a pre-existing condition, including 62,700 New Hampshire children, 269,000 New Hampshire women, and 155,500 Granite Staters between ages 55 and 64. 

If Republicans Get Their Way, Insurance Companies Would Have The Power To Charge You More, While Their Profits Soar

• 690,524 Granite Staters Could Once Again Have To Pay For Preventive Care. Because of the ACA, health plans must cover preventive services — like flu shots, cancer screenings, contraception, and mammograms – at no cost to consumers. This includes nearly 690,524 Granite Staters, most of whom have employer coverage.
• Insurance Companies Could Charge Premium Surcharges in the Six Figures. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, insurance companies would be able to charge people more because of a pre-existing condition. The health repeal bill the House passed in 2017 had a similar provision, and an analysis by the Center for American Progress found that insurers could charge up to $4,270 more for asthma, $17,060 more for pregnancy, $26,180 more for rheumatoid arthritis and $140,510 more for metastatic cancer.
• Women Could Be Charged More Than Men for the Same Coverage. Prior to the ACA, women were often charged premiums on the nongroup market of up to 50 percent higher than they charged men for the same coverage. 
• People Over the Age of 50 Could Face a $4,000 “Age Tax,” Including $2,750 in New Hampshire. Because Judge O’Connor sided with Republican lawmakers, insurance companies would be able to charge people over 50 more than younger people. 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, including $2,750 in New Hampshire, according to the AARP.
• 31,179 Granite Staters in the Marketplaces Would Pay More for Coverage. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, consumers would no longer have access to tax credits that help them pay their marketplace premiums, meaning roughly nine million people who receive these tax credits to pay for coverage will have to pay more, including 31,179 in New Hampshire.
• 21,150 New Hampshire Seniors Could Have to Pay More for Prescription Drugs. If the Trump-GOP lawsuit is successful, seniors could have to pay more for prescription drugs because the Medicare “donut” hole would be reopened. 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 CMS report. In New Hampshire, 21,150 seniors each saved an average of $1,139.

If Republicans Get Their Way, Medicaid Expansion Would Be Repealed

• 57,000 Granite Staters Enrolled Through Medicaid Expansion Could Lose Coverage. Seventeen million people have coverage through the expanded Medicaid program, including 57,000 in New Hampshire.
• Access To Treatment Would Be In Jeopardy For 800,000 People With Opioid Use Disorder. Roughly four in ten, or 800,000 people with opioid use disorder are enrolled in Medicaid. Many became eligible through Medicaid expansion.
• Key Support For Rural Hospitals Would Disappear, leaving New Hampshire hospitals with $234 million more in uncompensated care.