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In News

THIS WEEK: “Lower Cost, Better Care” Bus Tour Hits the Road With Stops in California, Nevada, Colorado as Republicans Continue Efforts to Slash Health Care

Senator John Hickenlooper, Representatives Judy Chu, Dina Titus, Jimmy Gomez, Yadira Caraveo, Attorney General Rob Bonta, City Councilmember Manpreet Kaur, Assemblywoman Natha Anderson Will Headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” Events in Three States

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington, D.C. — On the fifth week of Protect Our Care’s 12,000-mile “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” will make stops in three states to make sure everyone understands how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress worked to lower health care costs for Americans. By passing the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress lowered premium costs, capped the monthly cost of insulin, and gave Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. While we celebrate this progress, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are fighting to go backwards, raise costs, take away protections for pre-existing conditions, and leave millions of people without critical coverage. MAGA Republicans want us to go back to the days when insurance companies made the rules and could deny people coverage.

Health care is a top issue for people across the country. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates, and storytellers are sounding the alarm about the threat Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pose to American health care and celebrating the historic steps the Biden-Harris administration has taken to provide working families the quality, affordable care they need to stay healthy. Over six weeks, Care Force One will travel to more than 17 states, make more than 50 stops, and travel nearly 12,000 miles.

MONDAY

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:

WHO:
Representative Judy Chu (D-CA-28)
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34)
Attorney General Rob Bonta
Dr. Diana Dayal, resident physician and CIR-SEIU member
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, 125 Paseo de la Plz, Los Angeles, CA 90012

WHEN: Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:30 AM PT // 2:30 PM ET

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA:

WHO:
State Senator Anna Caballero
City Councilmember Manpreet Kaur
CA Young Dems President Giovanni Chavez
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: Rasmussen Senior Center, ​​115 E Roberts Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93308

WHEN: Monday, October 21, 2024 at 4:00 PM PT // 7:00 PM ET

TUESDAY

RENO, NEVADA: 

WHO:
Assemblywoman Natha Anderson
Lindsay Harmon, Planned Parenthood Votes Nevada
Oscar Delgado, Community Health Alliance Nevada
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Community Health Alliance, 330 Crampton St, Reno, NV 89502

WHEN: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 3:00 PM PT // 6:00 PM ET

WEDNESDAY

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA:

WHO:
Representative Dina Titus (D-NV-01)
Venicia Considine, Nevada State Assemblywoman District 18
Local SEIU Members
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: SEIU, 2250 S Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89102

WHEN: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 4:00 PM PT

THURSDAY

GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO:

WHO:
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: TBA

WHEN: Thursday, October 24, 2024 at TBA

FRIDAY

DENVER, COLORADO:

WHO:
Senator Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Representative Yadira Caraveo (D-CO-08)
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: TBA

WHEN: Friday, October 25, 2024 at 10:30 AM MT // 12:30 PM ET

PUEBLO, COLORADO:

WHO:
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: TBA

WHEN: Friday, October 25, 2024 at TBA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One will make stops in:

Duluth, Minnesota on Monday, September 23, 2024
St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, September 23, 2024
Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Lansing, Michigan on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Grand Rapids, Michigan on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Toledo, Ohio on Thursday, September 26, 2024
Youngstown, Ohio on Thursday, September 26, 2024
Greensburg, Pennsylvania on Friday, September 27, 2024
Hudson Valley, New York on Monday, September 30, 2024
Long Island, New York on Monday, September 30, 2024
Manchester, New Hampshire on Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Troy, New York on Thursday, October 3, 2024
Utica, New York on Thursday, October 3, 2024
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 4, 2024
Richmond, Virginia on Monday, October 7, 2024
Harrisburg, Virginia on Monday, October 7, 2024
Durham, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Columbus, Georgia on Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Athens, Georgia on Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 10, 2024
Norfolk, Virginia on Friday, October 11, 2024
Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Las Cruces, New Mexico on Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Tempe, Arizona on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, October 17, 2024
Palm Springs, California on Thursday, October 17, 2024
Orange County, California on Friday, October 18, 2024
Los Angeles, California on Monday, October 21, 2024
Bakersfield, California on Monday, October 21, 2024
Reno, Nevada on Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Grand Junction, Colorado on Thursday, October 24, 2024
Denver, Colorado on Friday, October 25, 2024
Pueblo, Colorado on Friday, October 25, 2024
Burnsville, Minnesota on Monday, October 28, 2024
Rochester, Minnesota on Monday, October 28, 2024
Beloit, Wisconsin on Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Kenosha, Wisconsin on Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Wayne, Michigan on Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday, October 31, 2024
Cleveland, Ohio on Thursday, October 31, 2024
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Friday, November 1, 2024

For more information on Protect Our Care’s “Lower Cost, Better Care” tour, click here. 

ashoup
In News

Week Four: Protect Our Care’s Care Force One Made Stops in New Mexico, Arizona, and California

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), U.S. Representatives Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-1) Headlined “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour Events

On the fourth week of Protect Our Care’s nearly 12,000-mile “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” made stops in three states to make sure everyone understands how they continue to benefit from legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Affordable Care Act – while also making it clear the stakes for American health care have never been higher. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates, and storytellers sounded the alarm about the threat Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pose to American health care. MAGA Republicans want us to go back to the days when insurance companies made the rules and could deny people coverage. As Republicans fight to raise costs on working families, deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and Affordable Care Act, the Biden-Harris administration continues to improve access to quality and affordable health care. Next week, the tour continues in California, Nevada, and Colorado. Over six weeks, Care Force One will travel to more than 17 states, make more than 50 stops, and travel nearly 12,000 miles.

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Here

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-1), and health care advocates at the Civic Plaza in Albuquerque, NM to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

Watch the event here.

LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), and health care advocates at Plaza de Las Cruces in Las Cruces, NM to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

Coverage:

  • KVIA ABC El Paso: The “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour Campaigns to Keep the Affordable Care Act in Place

Watch the event here.

TUCSON, ARIZONA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Former State Sen. Kirsten Engel, and health care advocates at the YWCA in Tucson, AZ to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

Watch the event here.

TEMPE, ARIZONA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), and health care advocates at City Hall in Tempe, AZ to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), and health care advocates at the Arizona State Capitol Building in Phoenix, AZ to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

Watch the event here.

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Palm Springs Councilmember Lisa Middleton, and health care advocates at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs, CA to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

Coverage:

  • My News LA: Palm Springs Councilmembers Set to Attend Nonprofit Healthcare Summit

Watch the event here.

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49), and health care advocates at Crown Valley Park Amphitheatre in Laguna Niguel, CA to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

Watch the event here.

ashoup
In News, Press Call

U.S. Representative Mike Levin Headlines California Event During Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour as Republicans Continue Efforts to Slash Health Care

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Contact: Matt Herdman | [email protected] | 973-270-3645

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024 AT 10 AM PT // 1 PM ET***

U.S. Rep. Mike Levin Headlines Event in Orange County as Care Force One Travels Across 17+ States, Makes Over 50 Stops, and Covers Nearly 12,000 Miles

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Orange County, CA — On day 26 of Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49) will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for an event in Laguna Niguel to make sure Californians understand how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress worked to lower health care costs for Americans. By passing the Inflation Reduction Act, they provided relief to those who purchase insurance on their own, capped the monthly cost of insulin, and gave Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. While we celebrate this progress, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are fighting to go backwards, raise costs, take away protections for pre-existing conditions, and leave millions of people without critical coverage. MAGA Republicans want us to go back to the days when insurance companies made the rules and could deny people coverage.

During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates, and storytellers are sounding the alarm about the threat Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pose to American health care and celebrating the historic steps the Biden-Harris administration has taken to provide working families the quality, affordable care they need to stay healthy. Next week, the tour continues in Los Angeles and Bakersfield. Over six weeks, Care Force One will travel to more than 17 states, make more than 50 stops, and travel nearly 12,000 miles.

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA:

WHO:
U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49)
Fullerton City Councilmember Dr. Shana Charles
Chris Noble, Health Access California
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: Crown Valley Park, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

WHEN: Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM PT // 1 PM ET

ashoup
In News, Press Call

U.S. Senator Chris Coons Headlines Arizona Event During Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour as Republicans Continue Efforts to Slash Health Care

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Contact: Morgan Finkelstein, [email protected], 602-361-4394

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024***

Care Force One Rolls into Arizona and California as it Travels Across 17+ States, Makes Over 50 Stops, and Covers Nearly 12,000 Miles

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

On day 29 of Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, Care Force One rolls into Phoenix, Arizona, and Palm Springs, California, with U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) joining health care advocates and Protect Our Care for an event in Phoenix to make sure Arizonians understand that our health care is at stake. By passing the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress lowered premium costs, capped the monthly cost of insulin, and gave Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. While we celebrate this progress, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are fighting to go backwards, raise costs, take away protections for pre-existing conditions, and leave millions of people without critical coverage. MAGA Republicans want us to go back to the days when insurance companies made the rules and could deny people coverage.

Health care is a top issue for people across the country. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates, and storytellers are sounding the alarm about the threat Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pose to American health care and celebrating the historic steps the Biden-Harris administration has taken to provide working families the quality, affordable care they need to stay healthy. Next week, the tour continues in Arizona. Over six weeks, Care Force One will travel to more than 17 states, make more than 50 stops, and travel nearly 12,000 miles.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA:

WHO:
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)
Dr. Amish Shah
Daniel Valenzuela
Doug Hart
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Arizona Capitol, 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007

WHEN: Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 9 AM MST // 12 PM ET

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA:

WHO:
Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs Councilmember
Christy Holstege, former Palm Springs Mayor
Paulina Angel, Trans Advocacy Center
Melissa Cedillo, Health Access California
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Ruth Hardy Park: 700 Tamarisk Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262

WHEN: Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 3 PM PT // 6 PM ET

ashoup
In News, Press Call

Protect Our Care Bus Tour Rolls into Arizona as Republicans Continue Efforts to Slash Health Care

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Contact: Morgan Finkelstein, [email protected], 602-361-4394

​​U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) Will Headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” Event in Tempe, Arizona

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Arizona — On day 28 of Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, Care Force One rolls into Tucson and Tempe, Arizona. U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for an event in Tempe to make sure Arizonians understand that our health care is at stake. By passing the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress lowered premium costs, capped the monthly cost of insulin, and gave Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. While we celebrate this progress, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are fighting to go backwards, raise costs, take away protections for pre-existing conditions, and leave millions of people without critical coverage. MAGA Republicans want us to go back to the days when insurance companies made the rules and could deny people coverage.

Health care is a top issue for people across the country. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates, and storytellers are sounding the alarm about the threat Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pose to American health care and celebrating the historic steps the Biden-Harris administration has taken to provide working families the quality, affordable care they need to stay healthy. Next week, the tour continues in Arizona. Over six weeks, Care Force One will travel to more than 17 states, make more than 50 stops, and travel nearly 12,000 miles.

TUCSON, ARIZONA:

WHO:
Former State Sen. Kirsten Engel
State Sen. Priya Sundareshan
Magdalena Verdugo, YWCA
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: YWCA, 525 N Bonita Ave, Tucson, AZ 85745

WHEN: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9 AM MST // 12 PM ET

TEMPE, ARIZONA:

WHO:
U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04)
City Councilman Randy Keating
Jen Longdon, Chief External Affairs Officer, Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Tempe City Hall, 31 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281

WHEN: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 1 PM MST // 4 PM ET

ashoup
In News, Press Call

HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, Medicare Director Dr. Meena Seshamani, to host Detroit town hall on signing up for the right Medicare plan for 2025

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDS, OCTOBER 16 AT 11:30 AM ET***

Open enrollment period runs through Dec. 7 and is more important now amid updates to cost-saving benefits

Detroit, Michigan – On Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 11:30 a.m., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm and U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Deputy Administrator and Center for Medicare Director Dr. Meena Seshamani, will hold a town hall in Detroit, encouraging seniors to sign up for cost-saving Medicare plans for 2025. Medicare’s open enrollment period, when seniors are eligible to choose the right plan and can make changes to their plan, begins Tuesday, Oct. 15, and runs through Dec. 7.

Deputy Secretary Palm and Deputy Administrator Seshamani will join Michigan Department of Insurance Financial Services Director Anita Fox, Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters and others.

The town hall forum will highlight the many new benefits of Medicare, including caps on out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs and insulin, along with free recommended vaccines for people with Medicare prescription drug coverage. The new benefits are made possible by President Biden’s and Vice President Harris’ new lower cost prescription drug law, the Inflation Reduction Act.

PRESS CONFERENCE:

WHO:
Mary Waters, Detroit City Councilwoman
Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Meena Seshamani, Deputy Administrator of U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Director of the Center for Medicare
Anita Fox, Director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Denise Fair Razo, City of Detroit chief public health officer

WHAT: Town hall to inform seniors about the new benefits and importance of enrolling in Medicare during open enrollment 

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Woodbridge Senior Village, 1200 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Detroit, MI 48201

CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, [email protected] 

###

ashoup
In News, Commentary

New Navigator Polling Underscores Deep Unpopularity of MAGA Health Care Agenda Weeks Before the Election

Navigator polling released today highlights just how unpopular the Republican agenda on health care is among the American people. MAGA Republicans want to hike prescription drug costs, repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Inflation Reduction Act, cut Medicare and Medicaid, and rip coverage away from people with pre-existing conditions. As they raise costs on the middle class, MAGA Republicans want to give out more tax breaks to the rich and big corporations. This agenda is totally out of step with the American people. Three main takeaways from the results: 

  1. Americans Overwhelmingly Support Medicare Negotiation. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress want to stop Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices – even as nearly 9 in 10 Americans (88 percent) support Medicare negotiation.
  2. The ACA Remains Widely Popular. While Donald Trump and his Republican allies want to revisit repealing the ACA and its protections for pre-existing conditions, Americans support the ACA by a 34-point margin (59 percent favorable – 25 percent unfavorable).
  3. Americans Want Congress To Prioritize Extending ACA Subsidies Over Extending The 2017 Trump Tax Law. As Republicans work to extend the Trump tax breaks, the poll shows that the tax law is “26 points underwater” with Americans (30 percent support – 56 percent oppose). At the same time, 88 percent support Democrats’ plans to lower health insurance premiums for Americans through the ACA. Per Navigator: “As both the subsidies through the ACA and the Trump tax law are set to expire in 2025, three in five Americans say they would rather Congress prioritize extending ACA subsidies in order to make health care more affordable than to extend the Trump tax law.”

 

ashoup
In News, Press Call

THIS WEEK: “Lower Cost, Better Care” Bus Tour Rolls On With Stops in New Mexico, Arizona, and California

U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-1), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), and Councilmember Gary Gardner (CA-01) Will Headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” Events in 3 States

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington, D.C. — On the fourth week of Protect Our Care’s 12,000-mile “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” will make stops in three states to make sure everyone understands how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress worked to lower health care costs for Americans. By passing the Inflation Reduction Act, they provided relief to those who purchase insurance on their own, capped the monthly cost of insulin, and gave Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. At the same time, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are fighting a war on our health care system to raise costs and deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, leaving millions of people without critical coverage. MAGA Republicans want us to go back to the days when insurance companies made the rules and could deny people coverage. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates, and storytellers are sounding the alarm about the threat Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pose to American health care and celebrating the historic steps the Biden-Harris administration has taken to provide working families the quality, affordable care they need to stay healthy. Over six weeks, Care Force One will travel to more than 17 states, make more than 50 stops, and travel nearly 12,000 miles.

TUESDAY

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO:

WHO:
U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-1)
State Sen. Martin Hickey
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: 1 Civic Plaza, Albuquerque, NM 87102

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 10 AM MDT // 12 PM ET

LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO: 

WHO:
U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02)
City Councilor Becky Corran
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Plaza de Las Cruces: 100 N Main St., Las Cruces, NM 88001

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 2:30 PM MDT // 4:30 PM ET

WEDNESDAY

TUCSON, ARIZONA:

WHO:
Former State Sen. Kirsten Engel
State Sen. Priya Sundareshan
Magdalena Verdugo, YWCA
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: YWCA, 525 N Bonita Ave, Tucson, AZ 85745

WHEN: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9 AM MST // 12 PM ET

TEMPE, ARIZONA:

WHO:
U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04)
City Councilman Randy Keating
Jen Longdon, Chief External Affairs Officer, Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Tempe City Hall, 31 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281

WHEN: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 1 PM MST // 4 PM ET

THURSDAY

PHOENIX, ARIZONA:

WHO:
Dr. Amish Shah
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Phoenix, AZ

WHEN: Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 9 AM MST // 12 PM ET

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA:

WHO:
Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs Councilmember
Christy Holstege, former Palm Springs Mayor
Paulina Angel, Trans Advocacy Center
Melissa Cedillo, Health Access California
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Ruth Hardy Park: 700 Tamarisk Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262

WHEN: Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 3 PM PT // 6 PM ET

FRIDAY

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA:

WHO:
U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49)
Chris Noble, Health Access California
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Crown Valley Park Amphitheater, Laguna Niguel, CA 

WHEN: Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10 AM PT // 1 PM ET

 

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One will make stops in: 

Duluth, Minnesota on Monday, September 23, 2024
St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, September 23, 2024
Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Lansing, Michigan on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Grand Rapids, Michigan on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Toledo, Ohio on Thursday, September 26, 2024
Youngstown, Ohio on Thursday, September 26, 2024
Greensburg, Pennsylvania on Friday, September 27, 2024
Hudson Valley, New York on Monday, September 30, 2024
Long Island, New York on Monday, September 30, 2024
Manchester, New Hampshire on Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Troy, New York on Thursday, October 3, 2024
Utica, New York on Thursday, October 3, 2024
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 4, 2024
Richmond, Virginia on Monday, October 7, 2024
Harrisburg, Virginia on Monday, October 7, 2024
Durham, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Columbus, Georgia on Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Athens, Georgia on Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 10, 2024
Norfolk, Virginia on Friday, October 11, 2024
Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Las Cruces, New Mexico on Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Tempe, Arizona on Thursday, October 17, 2024
Palm Springs, California on Thursday, October 17, 2024
Orange County, California on Friday, October 18, 2024
Santa Clarita, California on Monday, October 21, 2024
Bakersfield, California on Monday, October 21, 2024
Reno, Nevada on Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Grand Junction, Colorado on Thursday, October 24, 2024
Denver, Colorado on Friday, October 25, 2024
Burnsville, Minnesota on Monday, October 28, 2024
Rochester, Minnesota on Monday, October 28, 2024
Beloit, Wisconsin on Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Kenosha, Wisconsin on Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Wayne, Michigan on Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday, October 31, 2024
Cleveland, Ohio on Thursday, October 31, 2024
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Friday, November 1, 2024

For more information on Protect Our Care’s “Lower Cost, Better Care” tour, click here. 

ashoup
In News, Fact Sheet, Research

FACT SHEET: Open Enrollment Brings New Benefits and Savings for Millions of Seniors, But Republicans Want to Roll it All Back

Seniors Will Save in 2025 Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act: $2,000 Annual Out-of-Pocket Cap, $35 Monthly Insulin Cost Cap, and Free Vaccines 

Medicare open enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. Starting October 1, seniors can begin reviewing coverage options for 2025. Seniors will see that   Medicare is better than ever thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, and  they will save money on drugs and vaccines. The cost-saving measures in the Inflation Reduction Act were passed in Congress without a single Republican vote and are under attack by Donald Trump and Republican Members of Congress. 

For the first time ever, starting January 1, 2025, people on Medicare will benefit from a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs. This is in addition to benefits that went into effect on January 1, 2023: recommended vaccines are now free, monthly insulin costs are capped at $35 per prescription, and drug companies cannot take advantage of seniors by raising drug prices faster than the rate of inflation without penalty. Additionally, starting in 2026, Medicare beneficiaries will see lower drug prices across the board thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s provisions to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, which will save seniors and taxpayers billions of dollars.

These savings and benefits are under attack: 

Republicans want to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and hike drug costs for seniors. Trump’s Project 2025 makes the GOP’s plans clear: repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, ban Medicare from negotiating drug prices, and line drug companies’ pockets. Every Republican in Congress voted against the Inflation Reduction Act and Republicans in Congress continue to call for its repeal. The GOP’s latest attacks are just another attempt to carry out Trump’s Project 2025, do the bidding of the big drug companies, and repeal the law. 

Big drug companies are charging Americans two to four times more than people in other countries. While Democrats are doing what needs to be done to ensure seniors can afford the care they need without sacrificing groceries, gas, or rent – Republicans are siding with big drug companies and playing partisan games with seniors’ access to medication.

In 2025, Seniors Will Pay Less for Health Care:

The Inflation Reduction Act is drastically reducing the cost of prescription drugs for the more than 50 million Americans enrolled in Medicare’s Part D drug benefit, reducing racial, income, and geographic disparities in health care, and saving lives. Seniors will finally have the breathing room they need to pay for other essentials like food and housing, or transportation to visit their grandchildren.

By the Numbers:

  • Over 50 million Medicare Part D beneficiaries will have out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs capped at $2,000 per year starting January 1, 2025. 
  • Medicare beneficiaries no longer face big drug companies’ outrageous price hikes that exceed inflation. 
  • All Medicare Part D beneficiaries have access to free vaccines, such as shingles and pneumonia, at no cost.
  • No Medicare beneficiary pays more than $35 a month for an insulin copay.
  • Lower prices were negotiated for the first 10 drugs selected for the Negotiation Program, with more drugs to be named each year. Nearly 9 million people on Medicare rely on these drugs and spent $3.4 billion on them in out-of-pocket costs last year alone.
  • Total monthly Part D premiums are expected to decrease by $7.45 (13%) on average from 2024 to 2025.

The Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Prescription Drug Prices

$2,000 Annual Out-of-Pocket Spending Cap. Starting January 1, 2025, no senior on Medicare Part D will spend more than $2,000 a year on prescription drugs. This cap could mean the difference between life and death for the countless seniors relying on high-cost drugs for complex conditions such as multiple myeloma. The 3.2 million on Medicare who are expected to reach the cap in 2025 will save an average of $1,500 per year on out-of-pocket costs. By 2029, 4.1 million enrollees, including one in ten seniors in 19 states and DC will benefit from the new annual out-of-pocket limit. 

Medicare Negotiation For Lower Drug Prices. In August, the Biden-Harris administration announced new, lower prices for ten of the most expensive and commonly used drugs among people with Medicare: Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, Januvia, Farxiga, Entresto, Enbrel, Imbruvica, Stelara, and Fiasp/ NovoLog. Nearly 9 million people on Medicare rely on these drugs and spent $3.4 billion on them in out-of-pocket costs last year alone. These prices go into effect in 2026 and will save seniors $1.5 billion out-of-pocket and save taxpayers an additional $6 billion in the first year alone.  Over 80 percent of Americans support Medicare negotiating lower drug prices — the most popular provision in the Inflation Reduction Act. 

$35 Insulin Cap For Seniors. In 2020, there were more than 3.2 million insulin users with Medicare, with nearly 1.7 million purchasing their insulin without low-income subsidies. On average, seniors with Medicare Part D or B who are not receiving subsidies pay an average of $572 every year for this life-saving medication — an unthinkable sum for many on fixed incomes. Patients who suffer chronic complications can expect to pay upwards of an additional $650 per year. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, monthly insulin copays for people on Medicare are capped at $35 per prescription. A recent study showed that 1.5 million people on Medicare would have saved an average of $500 in 2020 from the $35 insulin copay cap.

Ends Outrageous Price Increases For Seniors. Over the past 20 years, price increases for brand-name drugs in Medicare Part D have risen at more than twice the rate of inflation. The Inflation Reduction Act penalizes drug companies for raising drug prices faster than the rate of inflation starting at the beginning of 2023. Since this provision went into effect, manufacturers of 98 drugs have been penalized, saving at least 770,000 seniors directly on their drug costs, and saving people with Medicare and taxpayers nearly $3 billion. An analysis by KFF showed that half of all drugs covered by Medicare had list price increases exceeding the rate of inflation in 2020. For example, AbbVie has hiked the price of its blockbuster drug Humira 27 times, including in January 2021 when it raised its cost by 7.4 percent. 

Free Shingles, RSV, and Other Recommended Vaccinations. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, 50.5 million seniors are eligible for no-cost shingles vaccinations. In 2020, nearly 4 million Medicare beneficiaries received the two-part shingles vaccination. With a single shot of Shingrix costing $212, seniors on Medicare Part D are saving over $400 on average on vaccinations in 2023. The high out-of-pocket cost of the shingles vaccine has been a key factor in low vaccination rates, especially among Black and Latino communities. This extends an important affordable preventive service to seniors on Medicare; Americans with private insurance could already typically receive shingles vaccinations at no cost.

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Week Three: Protect Our Care’s Care Force One Rolled Through Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia

Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), Bobby Scott (D-GA-03), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), State Sens. Natalie Murdock, Sonya Halpern, State Rep. Spencer Frye, Mayor Deanna Reed Headlined “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour Events

On the third week of Protect Our Care’s nearly 12,000-mile “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” made stops in three states to make sure everyone understands that our health care is at stake. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates, and storytellers sounded the alarm about the threat Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pose to American health care. MAGA Republicans want us to go back to the days when insurance companies made the rules and could deny people coverage. As Republicans fight to raise costs on working families, deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and Affordable Care Act, the Biden-Harris administration continues to improve access to quality and affordable health care. Next week, the tour continues in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Over six weeks, Care Force One will travel to more than 17 states, make more than 50 stops, and travel nearly 12,000 miles.

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Here

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Representative Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), and health care advocates at Diversity Thrift in Richmond to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. 

Coverage:

  • Virginia Mercury: National bus tour stops in Va., boosts Democrats’ promise to protect ACA, Inflation Reduction Act

Watch the event here.

HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Mayor Deanna Reed, and health care advocates at Ralph Sampson Park in Harrisonburg to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. 

Coverage:

  • WSVA: Preview of Harrisonburg Bus Tour Stop
  • Rocktown Now:  ‘Protect Our Care’ tour stops in Harrisonburg
  • Q101: ‘Protect Our Care’ tour stops in Harrisonburg
  • Daily News Record: Officials call on voters to protect healthcare

Watch the event here.

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by State Sen. Natalie Murdock, and health care advocates at Durham Central Park in Durham to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. 

Watch the event here.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Representative Alma Adams (D-NC-12), and health care advocates at Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center in Charlotte to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. 

Watch the event here.

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), and health care advocates at The Bibb Mill Event Center in Columbus to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. 

Coverage:

  • WRBL: Georgia democratic reps advocate for low-cost, better quality healthcare
  • Aol.com: Georgia democratic reps advocate for low-cost, quality healthcare
  • Yahoo.com: Georgia democratic reps advocate for low-cost, quality healthcare

Watch the event here.

ATHENS, GEORGIA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by State Representative Spencer Frye, and health care advocates at Rashe’s Cuisine in Athens to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. 

Coverage:

  • Athens Flagpole: Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff Will Campaign in Athens With Michael Stipe

Watch the event here.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by State Senator Sonya Halpern and State Representative Jasmine Clark, and health care advocates at IBEW Local 613 in Atlanta to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. 

Watch the event here.

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Representative Bobby Scott (D-GA-03), and health care advocates at Teamsters Union Hall in Norfolk to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress have delivered on their promise to drive down health care costs and how health care remains under threat by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. 

Watch the event here.

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