News Archives — Page 2 of 280

STATEMENT: The Trump Administration Is Putting An Anti-Vax Quack Scientist and Fake Doctor In Charge of “Researching” Long-Debunked Claims That Vaccines Cause Autism

Paging Dr. Cassidy: Republicans Who Bought What RFK Jr. Was Selling Will Bear Responsibility For More Sick and Dead Americans.

Washington, D.C.— Donald Trump and RFK Jr. just took their boldest step yet to push their anti-vaccine agenda. According to reports, David Geier, a discredited researcher and vaccine skeptic, will lead a Department of Health and Human Services study into the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism. The Maryland State Board of Physicians disciplined Geier for practicing without a medical license, as he had been improperly diagnosing and treating children with autism. A vocal anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, Geier’s protocols included Lupron, a hormone suppressor used for prostate cancer, precocious puberty, and to chemically castrate sex offenders. In addition, similar to RFK Jr., Geier has participated in anti-vaccine litigation against the federal government.

Geier’s disproven claims align with Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr.’s absurd views on immunizations. During RFK’s confirmation process, he gave “assurances” to Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) that he would trust the science, but he immediately walked it all back when he got confirmed to lead HHS, ramping up his efforts to fuel disinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines.

In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:

“Senator Cassidy got played. After saying anything to Cassidy and other on-the-fence senators to get confirmed, RFK Jr. is escalating his efforts to undermine lifesaving vaccine access for the American people. David Geier is a quack who has previously been caught practicing medicine without a license, and now he is leading an HHS study on the dangerous, debunked claim that vaccines cause autism – all thanks to Senator Cassidy’s key vote. RFK Jr. and Donald Trump don’t care about children getting sick and dying from long-eradicated diseases.”

Washington Post: Vaccine Skeptic Hired to Head Federal Study of Immunizations and Autism

By Lena H. Sun and Fenit Nirappil // March 26, 2025

A vaccine skeptic who has long promoted false claims about the connection between immunizations and autism has been tapped by the federal government to conduct a critical study of possible links between the two, according to current and former federal health officials.

The Department of Health and Human Services has hired David Geier to conduct the analysis, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. Geier and his father, Mark Geier, have published papers claiming vaccines increase the risk of autism, a theory that has been studied for decades and scientifically debunked.

David Geier was disciplined by Maryland regulators more than a decade ago for practicing medicine without a license. He is listed as a data analyst in the HHS employee directory.

Public health and autism experts fear that choosing a researcher who has promoted false claims will produce a flawed study with far-reaching consequences. They fear it will undermine the importance of the lifesaving inoculations and further damage trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The government’s premier public health agency has stressed vaccination as the safest and most effective measure to control the spread of some contagious diseases, including the growing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.

“It seems the goal of this administration is to prove that vaccines cause autism, even though they don’t,” said Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds autism research. “They are starting with the conclusion and looking to prove it. That’s not how science is done.”

President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have repeatedly linked vaccines to autism. Kennedy has often cited studies by David Geier and his father, a physician, asserting that their research reveals the negative effects of vaccines.

David Geier said in a brief telephone interview Tuesday he had no comment about whether he has a role in the study, how he was hired, and whether he holds the same views about vaccines and autism as described in his previous research.

“I don’t have any comment to say,” he said. “Talk to the secretary. He’s the person that’s in charge.”

HHS and CDC officials did not respond to emails requesting comment.

Jessica Steier, a public health researcher who leads the nonprofit Science Literacy Lab that scrutinizes research on high-profile health topics, said that the Geiers’ research is riddled with basic flaws and that the pair have “demonstrated patterns of an anti-vaccine agenda.”

“This is a worst-case scenario for public health,” Steier said. “It’s a slap in the face to the decades of actual credible research we have.”

HHS instructed the CDC in early March to conduct the vaccine-autism study. The request came two days after Trump, in an address to a joint session to Congress, described the growing prevalence of autism in American children.

But in recent weeks, HHS officials directed the CDC to turn over vaccine safety data to the National Institutes of Health so that agency could conduct the analysis instead, according to three current and one former federal health officials. Geier was identified as the person who “would be the one analyzing the data,” said one official.

It’s unclear why HHS officials turned to NIH to conduct the study. Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine activist, has long criticized the CDC and, in particular, vaccine safety.

During Kennedy’s confirmation hearings, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) pressed Kennedy to publicly disavow his past claims about vaccines and autism. Kennedy replied he would do so if presented with data disproving the link, despite the overwhelming body of research that already does.

The information that the CDC has turned over to NIH includes the underlying data from four studies on vaccines and autism published in the 2000s, three current officials said. None of the papers found any link.

Nor have more than two dozen other studies, including a decade-long study of a half-million children in Denmark published in 2019. It showed the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine does not increase the risk of autism, lending strong statistical evidence to what was already medical consensus.

Peter Hotez, co-director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital and author of a book about his daughter’s autism, said the federal government should focus money and attention on the roles of genetics and early brain development in the condition.

Instead, Hotez said, the agencies are repurposing scarce research dollars that leave “all the oxygen sucked out of the room over phony autism links.”

It’s not clear how or why Geier, who is not a physician and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, was chosen.

Since the 2000s, the Geiers published some studies suggesting a link between thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative in vaccines that drew public concern, and autism. The preservative had largely been excised from childhood vaccines by 2001.

The journal Science and Engineering Ethics retracted a 2015 paper co-authored by the Geiers that contended public health officials have conflicts of interest in studying whether mercury exposure triggers autism. The journal cited errors and failures to disclose the authors’ own conflicts of interest, including the Geiers’ involvement in a mercury-free-drugs coalition.

In a 2015 interview at a gathering of AutismOne, an organization that promotes the discredited link between vaccines and the condition, David Geier described CDC research on vaccines as compromised. He said the federal government sees its role as increasing vaccine uptake and quashing research that undermines immunization.

“This seems to be ubiquitous, that the government scientists are assigned to do a study, and invariably they find harm,” he said.

In addition to conducting research, Geier helped people who claimed injuries from vaccines seek compensation from the federal government and co-founded an organization that sued federal health officials, alleging harm from the use of thimerosal.

He was charged with practicing medicine without a license in May 2011, just weeks after his father’s license was suspended for allegedly putting autistic children at risk.

The Maryland Board of Physicians said Geier worked with his father using a hormonal drug therapy for prostate cancer and early-onset puberty to treat autistic children. Autism experts say the treatment is unproven and based on the debunked link to mercury in vaccines.

Mark Geier did not respond to a request for comment. An attorney for the Geiers said in 2011 that the treatment may be considered “crazy” but works on especially difficult patients.

The regulators said David Geier improperly played a role in the medical care, and parents assumed he was a doctor. Geier contended his role was administrative.

Then-Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) ousted Geier from a state commission on autism in 2011, saying he was not qualified to serve as a “diagnostician” on the panel.

The Geiers later sued state officials for publicly disclosing private medical information about the family, alleging they did so to embarrass them. A judge sided with the Geiers and ordered officials at the Board of Physicians to pay them millions, but an appellate court overturned the penalties.

In recent years, David and Mark Geier have targeted the use of mercury-containing amalgam fillings in dental care and promoted removal of those fillings.

The American Dental Association says dental amalgam is durable, safe and effective, and removing the fillings to replace them with materials that do not contain mercury is “unwarranted.” In recently published papers about dental amalgams, the Geiers disclosed owning shares in a company developing treatments for “mercury intoxication.” The company is led by a proponent of the claim that vaccines cause autism.

In interviews in 2022, the Geiers described their focus on mercury in dental fillings as a natural outgrowth of their examination of mercury in vaccines.

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NEW REPORT: Republicans Are Trading Our Health Care for Tax Breaks for Billionaires

Read the Full Report Here.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Protect Our Care is releasing a new report holding Republicans accountable for putting profits over people during their ongoing war on the American health care system. Republicans passed a budget that cuts nearly a trillion from Medicaid, putting more than 72 million Americans who count on Medicaid at risk of losing health care coverage. At the same time, they are trying to raise costs on millions of hard-working families by ending the cost-saving tax credits. As a result, insurance premiums would increase by an average of 90 percent and 5 million people would lose their health coverage. Donald Trump and Republicans are also endangering millions of lives by making indiscriminate cuts to our public health infrastructure, sabotaging the integral health care systems, such as the Affordable Care Act, and installing anti-vaccine zealot RFK Jr. as Secretary of HHS. Recent polling from Hart Research and Protect Our Care found there is broad opposition across party lines to major elements of the Republican health care agenda.

“Republicans are waging a full-scale war on American health care at the expense of hard-working families across the nation,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Their agenda is crystal clear: give tax breaks to billionaires by ripping away health care, leaving the American people, including their own constituents and voters, behind. Between slashing Medicaid and taking away health care tax credits, they continue to put profits over people and line the pockets of their friends like Elon Musk and big corporations. The American people want and deserve better.”

Report Key Points:

Here’s a closer look at what’s in store if Republicans get their way:

Slashing almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid, forcing people to choose between health care and putting food on the table. In every state, hundreds of thousands of seniors, children, and working families could lose their health insurance thanks to Republican plans to cut almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid.
Imposing burdensome work requirements for people on Medicaid: Republicans’ latest proposal of burdensome work requirements has one goal: make it harder for people to qualify for Medicaid, slash benefits, and deny up to 36 million people access to health care so they can fund more tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. Work requirements only increase the red tape that hard-working families must go through to obtain affordable health care.
Hiking premium costs: Millions of families who use private health insurance saved an average of $2,400 per year on their premiums thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s advanced premium tax credits, but Republicans want to end these savings and raise costs for over 24 million Americans.
Ripping away protections for people with pre-existing conditions: The GOP plans to repeal and sabotage the ACA, meaning the 135 million people with pre-existing conditions like asthma, cancer, and diabetes would lose critical protections that prevent insurance companies from charging them higher premiums or denying their coverage.
Raising prescription drug prices: Republicans want to once again give drug companies full control of padding their profits by banning Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices. This would raise government spending and increase costs for seniors and their families.
Stopping medical research, and stopping medical debt relief: Over the first three months of his administration, Donald Trump and his Republican allies have increased the prices of prescription drugs, including cancer and heart medications as well as vital antibiotics, delayed implementation of a Biden administration rule that barred medical debt from showing on credit reports, cut NIH grants, halted all studies and activities within the NIH relating in any capacity to LGBTQ+ health, including active research programs, and violated court orders to halt funding freezes to organizations like the NIH.
Keeping insulin costs high: Republicans rejected legislation to cap insulin costs for millions of people with diabetes nationwide. Now they want to raise costs for seniors by repealing the cap for people who rely on Medicare. As many as one in four of the 7.5 million Americans dependent on insulin are skipping or skimping on doses, a life-threatening practice no one in this country should have to bear.

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NEW ADS: Protect Our Care Launches Spanish-Language Ads About Damage GOP Medicaid Cuts Would Have on Hispanic Communities

Listen to All the Radio Ads Here.

Washington, D.C. – Protect Our Care is launching new Spanish-language radio ads featuring two women discussing the impact Republican Medicaid cuts will have on their families and communities. The new six-figure radio ad buy targets high reach, Spanish-language radio stations in seven Republican-held swing districts with significant Latino populations.

This Spanish-language ad buy is part of Protect Our Care’s ongoing 10-million-dollar “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign. The latest campaign activities also include TV, digital, and radio ads featuring a Trump voter and certified nursing assistant who is against Republican cuts to Medicaid, as well as a plan to launch direct mail in 10 Republican swing districts.

Recently, several Republican members of Congress wrote a letter highlighting the damage that Medicaid cuts would do to Latino communities, saying “slashing Medicaid would have serious consequences.” The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reports that this Republican budget would require the largest Medicaid cut in history.

“The Republican effort to gut a program that one in three Latinos rely on for health care will have devastating impacts on Hispanic communities nationwide,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “These ads expose Republicans for turning their backs on their Latino constituents just to give tax cuts to billionaires and big companies. Seniors in nursing homes, half of all Latino children, people with disabilities, and working families could lose access to care. These cuts will exacerbate financial instability in Latino communities and make nursing homes and hospitals more likely to close their doors. Latinos across the country are counting on Republicans to do the right thing and abandon these cuts to Medicaid.”

A recent report from UnidosUS makes it clear that cuts to Medicaid would have devastating consequences Latino families around the country: Medicaid covers one in three Latinos and half of all Latino children. Republicans’ plan to slash $880 billion in Medicaid funding would strip health insurance from millions of Latinos and take away their access to essential care, exacerbating health inequities and raising costs for working families at a time when too many struggle to make ends meet. Polling suggests Latino voters have overwhelmingly favorable views of Medicaid and disapprove of Republicans’ plans to gut Medicaid.

The ads will launch in the following districts: David Schweikert (AZ-01), David Valadao (CA-22), Young Kim (CA-40), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), and Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

Links to each of the minute-long radio ads can be found below:
David Schweikert (AZ-01)
David Valadao (CA-22)
Young Kim (CA-40)
Ken Calvert (CA-41)
Andrew Garbarino (NY-02)
Rob Bresnahan (PA-08)
Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

Sample Radio Ad Script for PA-08 – “On Our Side”:

Female Narrator 1: Con todas las cosas que estamos enfrentando cada día, ¿te imaginas si mis hijos se quedarán sin seguro médico? Si los republicanos en el Congreso logran aprobar su plan para recortar Medicaid, más de la mitad de nuestros hijos podrían perder su cuidado médico.
[English: With everything we are facing every day, can you imagine if my kids’ health care coverage got taken away? If Republicans in Congress are able to pass their plan to cut Medicaid, more than half of our kids could lose their health care.]

Female Narrator 2: Entonces, ¿qué pasaría la próxima vez que se enfermen?
[English: So what would happen next time they get sick?]

Female Narrator 1: A mí no me alcanza para pagar su seguro.
[English: I can’t afford to pay for their insurance.]

Female Narrator 2: Recortar Medicaid también significa que nuestros viejitos que necesitan cuidado médico a largo plazo perderán este beneficio.
[English: Cuts to Medicaid also mean that our elders in long-term care could lose health care too.]

Female Narrator 1: Uno de cada tres hispanos dependen de Medicaid, estos recortes serían un ataque directo contra nosotros.
[English: One out of three Hispanics rely on Medicaid – so cutting it would be a direct attack against us.]

Female Narrator 2: Mientras tanto los Republicanos en el Congreso aprueban otro recorte de impuestos para los multimillonarios.
[English: All while Republicans in Congress pass yet another tax cut for multimillionaires.]

Female Narrator 1: ¡Esto es una desgracia!
[English: This is a disgrace.]

Female Narrator 2: ¿Y el Congresista Bresnahan estará de nuestro lado? ¿O votará para quitarnos nuestro seguro médico? Llámalo al 202-225-5546 y dile que detenga los recortes a Medicaid. Pagado por Save My Care.
[English: Will Congressman Bresnahan be on our side? Or will he vote to take away our healthcare coverage? Call him at 202-225-5546 – Tell him to stop the cuts to Medicaid. Paid for by Save My Care.]

Sample Direct Mail Piece for PA-08:

NUEVOS ANUNCIOS: Protect Our Care Lanza Anuncios en Español Sobre el Daño que los Recortes Republicanos a Medicaid Tendrían en las Comunidades Hispanas

Escucha todos los anuncios de radio aquí.

Washington, D.C. – Protect Our Care está lanzando nuevos anuncios de radio en español que presentan a dos mujeres hablando sobre el impacto que los recortes republicanos a Medicaid tendrán en sus familias y comunidades. La nueva inversión de seis cifras en anuncios de radio se dirige a estaciones de radio en español de alta audiencia en siete distritos indecisos, controlados por republicanos, con poblaciones latinas significativas.

Esta compra de anuncios en español es parte de la campaña en curso de 10 millones de dólares “Hands Off Medicaid” (Medicaid No Se Toca) de Protect Our Care. Las últimas actividades de campaña también incluyen anuncios de televisión, digitales y de radio presentando a un votante de Trump y un asistente de enfermería certificado que está en contra de los recortes republicanos a Medicaid, así como un plan para el lanzamiento de correo directo en 10 distritos republicanos indecisos.

Recientemente, varios miembros republicanos del Congreso escribieron una carta destacando el daño que los recortes de Medicaid harían a las comunidades latinas, diciendo que “recortar Medicaid tendría graves consecuencias”. La Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso, una organización no partidista, informa que este presupuesto republicano requeriría el mayor recorte de Medicaid de la historia.

“El esfuerzo republicano para desmantelar un programa del que uno de cada tres latinos depende para recibir atención médica tendrá impactos devastadores en las comunidades hispanas de todo el país”, dijo el presidente de Protect Our Care, Leslie Dach. “Estos anuncios exponen a los republicanos por dar la espalda a sus electores latinos sólo para recortar impuestos a los multimillonarios y a las grandes empresas. Ancianos en asilos, la mitad de todos los niños latinos, personas con discapacidades y familias trabajadoras podrían perder el acceso a la atención de salud. Estos recortes exacerbarán la inestabilidad financiera en las comunidades latinas y harán más probable que los hogares de ancianos y hospitales cierren sus puertas. Los latinos de todo el país cuentan con que los republicanos hagan lo correcto y abandonen estos recortes a Medicaid”.

Un informe reciente de UnidosUS deja en claro que los recortes a Medicaid tendrían consecuencias devastadoras para las familias latinas de todo el país: Medicaid cubre a uno de cada tres latinos y a la mitad de todos los niños latinos. El plan de los republicanos de recortar $880 mil millones en fondos de Medicaid despojaría del seguro médico a millones de latinos y les quitaría el acceso a la atención esencial, exacerbando las desigualdades de salud y aumentando los costos para las familias trabajadoras en un momento en que muchos luchan por llegar a fin de mes. Las encuestas sugieren que los votantes latinos tienen opiniones abrumadoramente favorables de Medicaid y desaprueban los planes de los republicanos para desmantelar Medicaid.

Los anuncios se lanzarán en los siguientes distritos: David Schweikert (AZ-01), David Valadao (CA-22), Young Kim (CA-40), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) y Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

Los enlaces a cada uno de los anuncios de radio de un minuto de duración se pueden encontrar a continuación:
David Schweikert (AZ-01)
David Valadao (CA-22)
Young Kim (CA-40)
Ken Calvert (CA-41)
Andrew Garbarino (NY-02)
Rob Bresnahan (PA-08)
Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

Ejemplo de Guión de Anuncio de Radio para PA-08 – “De nuestro lado”:

Narradora 1: Con todas las cosas que estamos enfrentando cada día, ¿te imaginas si mis hijos se quedarán sin seguro médico? Si los republicanos en el Congreso logran aprobar su plan para recortar Medicaid, más de la mitad de nuestros hijos podrían perder su cuidado médico.
[English: With everything we are facing every day, can you imagine if my kids’ health care coverage got taken away? If Republicans in Congress are able to pass their plan to cut Medicaid, more than half of our kids could lose their health care.]

Narradora 2: Entonces, ¿qué pasaría la próxima vez que se enfermen?
[English: So what would happen next time they get sick?]

Narradora 1: A mí no me alcanza para pagar su seguro.
[English: I can’t afford to pay for their insurance.]

Narradora 2: Recortar Medicaid también significa que nuestros viejitos que necesitan cuidado médico a largo plazo perderán este beneficio.
[English: Cuts to Medicaid also mean that our elders in long-term care could lose health care too.]

Narradora 1: Uno de cada tres hispanos dependen de Medicaid, estos recortes serían un ataque directo contra nosotros.
[English: One out of three Hispanics rely on Medicaid – so cutting it would be a direct attack against us.]

Narradora 2: Mientras tanto los Republicanos en el Congreso aprueban otro recorte de impuestos para los multimillonarios.
[English: All while Republicans in Congress pass yet another tax cut for multimillionaires.]

Narradora 1: ¡Esto es una desgracia!
[English: This is a disgrace.]

Narradora 2: ¿Y el Congresista Bresnahan estará de nuestro lado? ¿O votará para quitarnos nuestro seguro médico? Llámalo al 202-225-5546 y dile que detenga los recortes a Medicaid. Pagado por Save My Care.
[English: Will Congressman Bresnahan be on our side? Or will he vote to take away our healthcare coverage? Call him at 202-225-5546 – Tell him to stop the cuts to Medicaid. Paid for by Save My Care.]

Ejemplo de pieza de correo directo para PA-08:

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Medicaid is a Lifeline for Rural Communities, Republicans Want to Abandon Them to Pay for Tax Breaks for Billionaires

Twenty percent of the US population – about 66.3 million Americans – live in rural areas across the country, and around one in five of those Americans – over 12 million – are enrolled in Medicaid, including 47 percent of children in rural areas. Medicaid is a vital source of coverage for people across rural America, who are more likely to lack insurance, experience negative health outcomes, and encounter more barriers to accessing care. Rural communities generally also have lower rates of employer-sponsored coverage. Medicaid has built a foundation for resilience and remains vital for the growth and prosperity of rural families and their communities.

But Republicans are leaving rural Americans behind. By passing a budget that cuts nearly $1 trillion dollars from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy, Republicans are putting profits over people.

Protect Our Care is continuing its “Hands Off Medicaid” campaign with theme weeks to underscore the importance of Medicaid across the country. Alongside partners, lawmakers, and other advocates, Protect Our Care is working to defend Medicaid from the Republican-led plan to slash funding to pay for another round of tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations. This week’s focus is the importance of Medicaid for rural Americans. Read more here.

If Republican Plans Succeed

Millions Of Rural Americans Depend On Medicaid. Over 12 million people on Medicaid reside in rural communities across the country.
Medicaid Helps To Maintain And Strengthen Rural Economies. Hospitals employ 10 percent of all employees in rural counties that report having any hospital employment. When rural hospitals close, communities can lose a staggering number of jobs, both within and outside of the health care sector. The closure of one rural hospital can eliminate 220 jobs immediately with ripple effects impacting thousands more.
Rural Americans Are Increasingly Isolated From Quality And Affordable Care. A 2023 NICHM study found that around 80 percent of rural Americans are medically underserved and that 12 percent of rural residents have to drive 60 minutes or more to the nearest hospital. Between 1999 and 2015, the rate of accidental death was almost 50 percent higher in rural areas than in urban areas with the CDC citing the distance between hospital facilities in rural areas.
Medicaid Is A Lifeline For Moms in Rural Communities. Medicaid covers 41 percent of births in the United States and pays for a greater share of births in rural areas than any other source of coverage. A majority of all births in several Republican-controlled states including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma – which all have disproportionately larger rural populations, are covered by Medicaid.
Rural States Rely On Medicaid To Provide Affordable Health Care. Uninsurance rates in rural America are 2 to 3 percentage points higher than in urban areas. States that expanded Medicaid experienced a 7-point increase in insured rates after the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
Medicaid Keeps Rural Hospitals Open, Republicans Want Them Closed. Between 2010 and 2022, over 130 rural hospitals closed. Since 2020, 36 rural hospitals have closed and as of 2025 around 768 rural hospitals were found to be at risk of closing in the near future. A 2016 analysis that identified 673 rural hospitals at risk of closing estimated that if those hospitals shut down, 99,000 health care jobs in rural communities would be lost.

Rural Hospital Closures by State

Rural hospitals have consistently seen higher rates of uncompensated care, especially in states that have refused to expand Medicaid where uncompensated care is nearly 2.5 times higher than in expansion states. Across the board, states that have refused to expand Medicaid have seen worse rural hospital outcomes, more hospital closures, and worse overall care than in states that have expanded Medicaid. This disparity of access to care for rural Americans can be seen at all levels of the rural hospital closure crisis, and studies continue to suggest that expanding Medicaid in all 50 states could be the largest driver in slowing down emergency closures.

Data as of April 2024.

State

Hospital Closures Since 2005

Hospitals At Risk of Closing*

Hospitals at Immediate Risk of Closing**

Number of Rural Hospitals Left

Has This State Expanded Medicaid?

Alabama

Alaska

Yes (2015)

Arizona

Yes (2014)

Arkansas

Yes (2014)

California

Yes (2014)

Colorado

Yes (2014)

Connecticut

Yes (2014)

Delaware

Yes (2014)

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Yes (2014)

Idaho

Yes (2020)

Illinois

Yes (2014)

Indiana

Yes (2015)

Iowa

Yes (2014)

Kansas

101

Kentucky

Yes (2014)

Louisiana

Yes (2016)

Maine

Yes (2019)

Maryland

Yes (2014)

Massachusetts

Yes (2014)

Michigan

Yes (2014)

Minnesota

Yes (2014)

Mississippi

Missouri

Yes (2021)

Montana

Yes (2016)

Nebraska

Yes (2020)

Nevada

Yes (2014)

New Hampshire

Yes (2014)

New Jersey

Yes (2014)

New Mexico

Yes (2014)

New York

Yes (2014)

North Carolina

Yes (2023)

North Dakota

Yes (2014)

Ohio

Yes (2014)

Oklahoma

Yes (2021)

Oregon

Yes (2014)

Pennsylvania

Yes (2015)

Rhode Island

Yes (2014)

South Carolina

South Dakota

Yes (2023)

Tennessee

Texas

159

Utah

Yes (2020)

Vermont

Yes (2014)

Virginia

Yes (2019)

Washington

Yes (2014)

West Virginia

Yes (2014)

Wisconsin

Wyoming

*These hospitals do not have adequate net assets to offset their losses on patient services for more than 6-7 years
**These hospitals do not have adequate net assets to offset their losses on patient services for more than 2-3 years

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THIS WEEK: Protect Our Care Continues Events Across the Country to Call On Republicans to Put an End to Their War on American Health Care

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MARCH 24 – MARCH 28***

Protect Our Care Holds Events In Alaska, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

This week, Protect Our Care is hosting events across the nation headlined by North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Maine’s Assistant House Leader Lori Gramlich to call on Republicans to put an end to their war on health care. Republicans are trying to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. At the same time, they’re trying to take away critical tax credits from working families, which will raise premium costs for millions. Speakers will address the urgent need for Congress to stop Republican efforts to slash Medicaid and raise premiums, and they will call on lawmakers to protect affordable access to health care for Americans, not take it away.

Last week, Protect Our Care hosted events including U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) in Arizona, Virginia, and New York. Protect Our Care, alongside SEIU, held Medicaid Week of Action events in Maine, Pennsylvania, and California to discuss the importance of Medicaid to patients, workers, and communities. Read headlines from past events here.

MONDAY

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WHO:
Jayme Simoes, POC New Hampshire
Ed Shanshala, CEO of Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Inc.
Lisa Beaudoin, Disability Policy/Equity & Nonprofit Professional
Jake Berry, Vice President of Policy, New Futures

WHAT: ACA Anniversary/ePTC/Medicaid Event with State Health Care Advocates

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Monday, March 24 at 10 AM ET

WEST VIRGINIA

WHO: Lynette Maselli, POC West Virginia
Ellen Allen, WVAHC
Rich Sutphin, West Virginia Rural Health Association
Laura Jones, Milan Puskar Health Right
Rhonda Rogombe, West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy

WHAT: ACA Anniversary/ePTC/Medicaid Event with West Virginians for Affordable Health Care and Advocates

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Monday, March 24 at 11 AM ET

MAINE

WHO: Lori Gramlich, Asst. House Leader
Jakob Giron, Policy Advocate for Consumers for Affordable Health Care
Toby McGrath, State Director for Protect Our Care Maine
Rita Furlow, Senior Policy Analyst with the Maine Children’s Alliance

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Event with Assistant House Leader

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Monday, March 24 at 12PM ET

THURSDAY

NORTH CAROLINA

WHO: Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt
Vanessa Watson, Protect Our Care North Carolina

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Roundtable with Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Thursday, March 27

ALASKA

WHO: Amber Lee, Protect Our Care Alaska

WHAT: Medicaid Townhall in Bethel with Local Health Care Providers

WHERE: Bethel, AK

WHEN: Thursday, March 27

FRIDAY

MINNESOTA

WHO: Attorney General Keith Ellison
Trent Andersen, Protect Our Care Minnesota

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Event with Attorney General Keith Ellison and Health Care Advocates

WHERE: Zoom Registration Link

WHEN: Friday, March 28

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Trump’s War on Health Care: Public Health Watch

Welcome to Public Health Watch, a weekly roundup from Protect Our Care tracking catastrophic activity as part of Donald Trump’s sweeping war on health care. From installing anti-vaccine zealot RFK Jr. as Secretary of HHS to empowering Elon Musk to make indiscriminate cuts to our public health infrastructure, including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, Donald Trump is endangering the lives of millions of Americans. Protect Our Care’s Public Health Watch will shine a spotlight on the worst of the Trump/RFK/Musk war on vaccines, science and public health and serve as a resource for the press, public and advocacy groups to hold them accountable.

What’s Happening In Public Health?

Catastrophic Cuts Are Creating Chaos And Endangering Americans’ Health And Scientific Innovation

Stat: NIH cancels funding for landmark diabetes study at a time of focus on chronic disease The Trump administration has canceled funding for an ongoing 30-year, nationwide study tracking patients with prediabetes and diabetes, researchers said, at a time when top officials have emphasized their determination to curb the incidence of such chronic conditions. Investigators working on the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program found out last week that the National Institutes of Health has halted funding for the project. While they have not yet received confirmation from the agency on why the grant has been canceled, the decision appears likely related to the Trump administration’s cancellation of federal grants to Columbia University on the grounds that it had failed to adequately address antisemitism on campus. Since 2022, Columbia has been managing funding for the most recent phase of the program, which is focused on tracking the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias among participants. But over 90% of the current funding, which amounts to more than $80 million spanning five years, is ultimately distributed to over two dozen other research sites across the U.S., according to José Luchsinger, a Columbia professor and one of the principal investigators.

Politico: Several federal health agencies move to rehire fired employees The Department of Health and Human Services is moving ahead with rehiring probationary employees in compliance with a federal court order issued last week. Probationary employees, and their managers, were notified via email Tuesday that their terminations would be rescinded, but that they would be placed on paid administrative leave. POLITICO reviewed copies of emails sent to staff at the National Institutes of Health, the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology as well as the Food and Drug Administration. The workers that were fired have typically been on the job less than a year. Staff at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, also received the email according to a person familiar granted anonymity for fear of retribution. Probationary workers were fired last month as part of the Trump administration’s effort to reduce the size of the federal government. Employees anticipate that more firings are coming soon.

Stat: We employ you, we employ you not: Fired probationary CDC employees living in a surreal limbo

New York Times: Food Safety Jeopardized by Onslaught of Funding and Staff Cuts In the last few years, foodborne pathogens have had devastating consequences that alarmed the public. Bacteria in infant formula sickened babies. Deli meat ridden with listeria killed 10 people and led to 60 hospitalizations in 19 states. Lead-laden applesauce pouches poisoned young children. In each outbreak, state and federal officials connected the dots from each sick person to a tainted product and ensured the recalled food was pulled off the shelves. Some of those employees and their specific roles in ending outbreaks are now threatened by Trump administration measures to increase government efficiency, which come on top of cuts already being made by the Food and Drug Administration’s chronically underfunded food division. Like the food safety system itself, the cutbacks and new administrative hurdles are spread across an array of federal and state agencies. At the Food and Drug Administration, freezes on government credit card spending ordered by the Trump administration have impeded staff members from buying food to perform routine tests for deadly bacteria. In states, a $34 million cut by the F.D.A. could reduce the number of employees who ensure that tainted products — like tin pouches of lead-laden applesauce sold in 2023 — are tested in labs and taken off store shelves. F.D.A. staff members are also bracing for further Trump administration personnel reductions. And at the Agriculture Department, a committee studying deadly bacteria was recently disbanded, even as it was developing advice on how to better target pathogens that can shut down the kidneys. Committee members were also devising an education plan for new parents on bacteria that can live in powdered infant formula. “Further work on your report and recommendations will be prohibited,” read a Trump administration email to the committee members. Taken together, there is concern in the food safety field that the number of outbreaks could grow or evade detection.

Wall Street Journal: Trump Administration Weighing Major Cuts to Funding for Domestic HIV Prevention The Health and Human Services Department is weighing plans to drastically cut the federal government’s funding for domestic HIV prevention, according to people familiar with the matter. The plans could be announced as soon as within a day, the people said, but they haven’t been finalized and could be pulled back or adjusted. The discussions come as the Trump administration is preparing for deep cuts of personnel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of a reorganization of the agency, people familiar with the planning said. The cuts and reorganization would take advantage of a weakness of the agency’s legal underpinnings: No single law outlines its purposes and authorizes its many programs. Additional Coverage: Politico

Politico: Trump admin considers shutting down some CDC expert panels The Trump administration is considering killing some panels of outside experts that advise the CDC on key health threats like HIV and avian flu, according to an email seen by POLITICO. The email, sent to CDC leaders Friday, said the Department of Health and Human Services is “recommending termination” of the panels that are not mandated by law. The email said CDC leaders would need to justify keeping the committees by 10 tonight, but a second, follow-up email said that “no response is required at this time.”

Politico: Trump removes gun violence public health advisory The Department of Health and Human Services recently removed a former surgeon general’s warning declaring gun violence a public health crisis to comply with the president’s executive order to protect Second Amendment rights, according to a White House official. Giffords, the gun violence prevention group founded by former Rep. Gabby Giffords, announced on Monday that former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s advisory recognizing gun violence as a public health crisis was wiped from the Department of Health and Human Services’ website. Murthy — who was nominated by former President Joe Biden — issued the advisory in June of last year, citing the increasing number of firearm-related injuries and deaths in the U.S.

Chaotic Firings and Re-Hirings:

Cruel and Destructive Policy Changes:

RFK Jr. Is An Extreme MAGA Anti-Vaxxer Who’s Breaking His “Assurances” To Key Republicans To Get Confirmed

New York Times: Kennedy’s Alarming Prescription for Bird Flu on Poultry Farms Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official, has an unorthodox idea for tackling the bird flu bedeviling U.S. poultry farms. Let the virus rip. Instead of culling birds when the infection is discovered, farmers “should consider maybe the possibility of letting it run through the flock so that we can identify the birds, and preserve the birds, that are immune to it,” Mr. Kennedy said recently on Fox News. He has repeated the idea in other interviews on the channel. Mr. Kennedy does not have jurisdiction over farms. But Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, also has voiced support for the notion. “There are some farmers that are out there that are willing to really try this on a pilot as we build the safe perimeter around them to see if there is a way forward with immunity,” Ms. Rollins told Fox News last month. Yet veterinary scientists said letting the virus sweep through poultry flocks unchecked would be inhumane and dangerous, and have enormous economic consequences.

E&E News: RFK Jr., once poisoned by mercury, is silent as EPA weakens rules against it The last time President Donald Trump tried to roll back a mercury regulation, he faced a high-profile opponent: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy railed against EPA at an August 2017 public hearing for going along with the Trump administration’s demands to repeal wastewater limits. He warned that allowing more power plant pollution to enter waterways would poison people through mercury-contaminated fish — a problem he experienced personally after a period of eating tuna. “It is really troublesome for those of us who will suffer from your irresponsibility,” Kennedy said at the time. “The law says the waterways of this country, the fisheries of this country, belong to the people.” Eight years later, Kennedy has been silent as the Trump administration is again rolling back those same mercury regulations, along with at least a dozen other pollution controls announced last week in what EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has called the agency’s “biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history.”

New York Times: Kennedy Instructs Anti-Vaccine Group to Remove Fake C.D.C. Page Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s health secretary, on Saturday instructed leaders of the nonprofit he founded to take down a web page that mimicked the design of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s site but laid out a case that vaccines cause autism. The page had been published on a site apparently registered to the nonprofit, the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense. Mr. Kennedy’s action came after The New York Times inquired about the page and after news of it ricocheted across social media. The page was taken offline Saturday evening. “Secretary Kennedy has instructed the Office of the General Counsel to send a formal demand to Children’s Health Defense requesting the removal of their website,” the Health and Human Services Department said in a statement.

NOTUS: A Flu Recommendations Vote Was Scrapped From an Upcoming Vaccine Advisory Committee Meeting A rescheduled meeting of a federal vaccine advisory committee no longer includes votes on which influenza vaccines to recommend to adults and children. Along with a canceled flu vaccine ad campaign and a postponed meeting to select the strains used in the next flu shot, it’s the latest signal that the new leadership of the federal health agencies no longer views the influenza vaccine as a key item in its public health toolkit. The meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was originally scheduled for late February. It was postponed to “allow more time for public comment,” according to the committee’s website. The rescheduled meeting is set to take place April 15-16. A notice posted on the Federal Register announced the agenda change. The document states that the meeting will include recommendation votes on three other vaccines for adults and one for children, but not the influenza vaccine. The meeting notice for the original February meeting date included scheduled votes on influenza vaccine recommendations for both adults and children.

Chalkbeat: A big change for kids with disabilities is underway, Trump says. Critics say it’s against the law. President Donald Trump made a brief announcement Friday morning of a policy that could upend how the nation serves its 7.5 million students with disabilities. Offering virtually no details, Trump said he’d decided that the Department of Health and Human Services would handle students’ “special needs” instead of the Education Department. “Rather complex,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “I think that will work out very well.” But many legal experts and advocates for children with disabilities say the president does not have the authority to move funding or oversight of special education to another agency. That would require an act of Congress, they say. Many educators, parents, and disability rights advocates worry that the president will try to move forward anyway, and that this plan could end up stripping children with disabilities of legally required educational support and services — and sideline them in an agency that doesn’t have the expertise, staff, or training to properly serve them.

Daily Beast: McMahon Won’t Rule Out RFK Jr. Taking Over School Vaccines

NBC: Kennedy praises cellphone bans in schools, citing mix of science and misinformation Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took aim at a new target this week as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda: cellphones in schools. In an interview with “Fox & Friends” on Thursday, Kennedy praised cellphone restrictions in schools and listed health hazards that he said were linked to phone use among children and teens — some backed by scientific research, others less so. Kennedy cited established links between social media use and depression and poor school performance. But he also suggested that cellphones “produce electromagnetic radiation, which has been shown to do neurological damage to kids when it’s around them all day, and to cause cellular damage and even cancer.”

Politico: Kennedy orders review of infant formula ingredients HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is moving to reevaluate nutrition standards for infant formula, ramping up federal scrutiny of leading U.S. formula makers. On Tuesday, Kennedy said he’d directed the Food and Drug Administration to reevaluate ingredients in infant formula to ensure they are safe and wholesome. The FDA will begin the first “comprehensive update and review” of formula nutrients in more than 25 years, it said in a statement, as well as increase testing of products for heavy metals and other contaminants. The decision comes as Kennedy seeks early progress on a slew of priorities aimed at overhauling the U.S.’ approach to food and cracking down on additives and other ingredients he has long blamed for contributing to a rise in childhood chronic diseases. During his failed 2024 run for president, Kennedy vowed to investigate infant formula if elected, at one point raising questions over whether some formula contained toxic metals. Studies have found low levels of contamination in baby food, an issue the FDA has previously targeted.

Disastrous, Dangerous Appointments

CBS: Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and former Texas Congressman Michael Burgess floated for CDC director Florida’s controversial surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, and a former Texas Republican congressman, Dr. Michael Burgess, are each being backed by some of President Trump’s allies to be the next head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The White House is searching for a replacement after the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Florida congressman, was abruptly pulled last week. White House officials have said internally that they are trying to “get it right” with their next pick, multiple administration officials said, seeking to address concerns about a prolonged vacancy at the agency or the prospect of another embarrassing about-face. Some potential contenders have also turned down offers for the role, federal health officials said. The president’s pick will be the first CDC director to undergo the Senate confirmation process after a change passed by Congress in 2022.

Bloomberg: White House Hires RFK Jr. Ally as Special Adviser The White House is elevating an ally of US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to implement the Trump administration’s plan to address chronic illness. Entrepreneur and author Calley Means will be a White House adviser and “special government employee,” according to two people familiar with the appointment. It’s the same classification that has allowed tech billionaire Elon Musk to retain his private-sector roles even as he tried to transform the federal bureaucracy. Special government employees are temporary workers, and there’s less red tape in the hiring process. Means’ role will be focused on food policy and addressing the influence of corporations on health and policy, according one person familiar with the posting. Means was formerly a consultant for the food and beverage industries. He will also assist the Make America Healthy Again Commission that President Donald Trump created via an executive order last month. Its objective is to assess the state of chronic disease in the US and create a strategy to restructure the federal government to address it.

Public Health Threats

NBC: How the anti-vaccine movement weaponized a 6-year-old’s measles death In February, a 6-year-old Texan was the first child in the United States to die of measles in two decades. Her death might have been a warning to an increasingly vaccine-hesitant country about the consequences of shunning the only guaranteed way to fight the preventable disease. Instead, the anti-vaccine movement is broadcasting a different lesson, turning the girl and her family into propaganda, an emotional plank in the misguided argument that vaccines are more dangerous than the illnesses they prevent. The child’s grieving parents have given just one on-camera interview, to Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine nonprofit group founded and led until recently by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now the health and human services secretary. In a video that aired online Monday, the young parents stifled sobs, recalling how their unvaccinated daughter got sick from measles, then pneumonia, how she was hospitalized and put on a ventilator, and how she died. The couple, who are Mennonites, believe their daughter’s death was the will of God. When Children’s Health Defense’s director of programming, Polly Tommey, asked specifically about parents who heard their story and might be “rushing out, panicking,” to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the parents rebuked the intervention that offered the best chance of preventing their daughter’s death. “Don’t do the shots,” the girl’s mother said. Measles, she added, is “not as bad as they’re making it out to be.”

Texas Tribune: Texas is poised to make measles a nationwide epidemic, public health experts say With its measles outbreak spreading to two additional states, Texas is on track to becoming the cause of a national epidemic if it doesn’t start vaccinating more people, according to public health experts. Measles, a highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, has made a resurgence in West Texas communities, jumping hundreds of miles to the northern border of the Panhandle and East Texas, and invading bordering states of New Mexico and Oklahoma. Based on the rapid spread of cases statewide — more than 200 over 50 days — public health officials predict that it could take Texas a year to contain the spread. With cases continuously rising and the rest of the country’s unvaccinated population at the outbreak’s mercy, Texas must create stricter quarantine requirements, increase the vaccine rate, and improve contact tracing to address this measles epidemic before it becomes a nationwide problem, warn infectious disease experts and officials in other states.

Stateline: Flu deaths rise as anti-vaccine disinformation takes root Americans are facing the highest death toll from influenza since 2018, just as more people become vulnerable because of growing vaccine skepticism taking hold in statehouses and the Trump administration. Flu-related deaths hit a seven-year high in January and February, the two months that usually account for the height of flu season, according to a Stateline analysis of preliminary federal statistics. There were about 9,800 deaths across the country, up from 5,000 in the same period last year and the most since 2018, when there were about 10,800. Despite that, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has canceled or postponed meetings to prepare for next fall’s flu vaccine, when experts talk about what influenza strains they expect they’ll be battling.

Public Health Threats Around The World:

Opinion and Commentary

Stat (Jonathan Temte): I helped declare the U.S. measles-free in 2000. I’m dismayed by where we are now

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HEADLINES: Lawmakers and Advocates Across The Country Stand Up For Medicaid, Reject Republican Health Care Cuts

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) Headlined Nationwide Events

Over the past week, members of Congress, local elected officials, and advocates joined events in Arizona, California, Iowa, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin, calling on Republicans to put an end to their war on health care. Right now, Republicans are trying to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. At the same time, they’re trying to raise premium costs by taking away critical tax credits from working families. Recent polling from Hart Research and Protect Our Care found there is broad opposition across party lines to major elements of the Republican health care agenda. Republican lawmakers are turning their backs on their constituents and their own voters by waging a war on health care.

Next week, Protect Our Care will continue with events in Alaska, California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

HEADLINES

Axios: Democrats Hammer GOP on Medicaid After Weeks of Turmoil

“Jeffries also held a press conference with Congressional Black Caucus chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), saying Democrats will do ‘everything we have to do to stop these cuts from ever taking effect.’”

NY1: House Democrats Hold ‘Medicaid Day of Action’ to Call Attention to Expected Cuts

“‘Republicans have proposed the largest Medicaid cut in American history,’ Jeffries said at a nonprofit health clinic in Brooklyn, New York, which was attended by health care providers and Medicaid recipients. ‘It will devastate children, families, people with disabilities, older Americans, women and everyday Americans in this community, in the city of New York and across the country.’”

WKOW: Sen. Baldwin Stops in Madison to Discuss Potential Medicaid Cuts With Wisconsin Families

“The bottom line is clear – people are really scared, and sadly, they have good reason to be,” she said. “Republicans’ plan to slash Medicaid so they can fund their tax breaks for people like Elon Musk is wrong – and I am proud to stand with Wisconsinites and fight back.”

Arizona Mirror: ‘Make Them Fear Voters More Than Trump’: Kelly, Gallego Rally Against GOP Medicaid Cuts

“Kelly said that the ‘real stories’ of those who will be directly harmed by the cuts that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans will pursue — a ‘high probability,’ in his estimation — to offset the cost of tax cuts are the most powerful weapons that voters have.”

13NewsNow: Congressman Bobby Scott Hosts Medicaid Roundtable Amid Fears of Cuts

“More than 1.4 million Virginians rely on Medicaid. ‘Everyone is one illness away from possibly being a Medicaid recipient,’ said Sparkle Edwards.”

13NewsNow: Hampton Roads Caregivers Raise Alarm About Possible Cuts to Medicaid: ‘Devastated, Afraid and Shocked’

“‘We need to make sure that people know that we are fighting for them and particularly don’t want people to think that they could lose their healthcare,’ Scott said. ‘All because Republicans want to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.’”

WAVY: Rep. Scott Hosts Medicaid Roundtable in Norfolk

“‘House Republicans and President Trump have made their intentions clear,’ Scott said. ‘They’re going to try to cut the Medicaid program.’ The proposal includes $880 billion in cuts to the two programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.”

Alaska Beacon: ‘We Are Done Waiting!’ Advocates and Supporters of Alaskans With Disabilities Rally at the Capitol

“‘If they cut Medicaid, not everybody is going to get their needs met. Not everybody’s going to have the correct medical coverage that they need. Not everybody’s going to be able to do the home modifications that they need,’ Kveum said. ‘So that’s why we’re here, and that’s why we’re advocating, so that people with disabilities that are seen and unseen can get services.’”

Virginia Mercury: ‘Not on Our Watch’: McClellan Stresses Congressional Fight to Defend Medicaid From Potential Cuts

“With over one million people in Virginia on Medicaid, about 630,000 of those could stand to lose coverage should Republicans in Congress cut federal funding, Democratic state lawmakers have stressed. U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, added her voice to the chorus of warnings at a press conference at the statehouse on Tuesday afternoon. ‘We are here to say, ‘not on our watch and not without a fight,’’ McClellan said during her visit to Virginia’s Capitol.”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania Advocates Warn of Devastating Impacts as Federal Medicaid Cuts Loom

“As the nation’s largest public health insurance program braces for massive cuts, Pennsylvania advocates are warning about what the state stands to lose. People with disabilities experiencing longer wait times for services that help them live independently, nursing homes losing funds for long-term care, children missing crucial health screenings — those were a few possibilities cited by policy experts during a virtual news conference on Tuesday.”

Times West Virginian: Protestors Demand Accountability From Congressional Republicans in Morgantown

“‘Half of our budget in West Virginia is federally funded,’ Shayla Klein, secretary for Mountaineers Indivisible, said. ‘Riley Moore knows this. He was the former treasurer. He’s our representative and he wants to cut funding for our federal programs. Doing any cuts to Medicaid would devastate West Virginia.’”

Politics PA: ‘Where is Scott Perry?’: Progressive Group Holds Town Hall, With Focus Largely on Medicaid Cuts

“As Republican lawmakers across the United States face backlash during town hall meetings, or refuse to host them at all, one group in central Pennsylvania held their own town hall Wednesday evening to tell U.S. Rep. Scott Perry how they feel about proposed Medicaid cuts, among other concerns.”

PennLive: ‘Where is Scott Perry?’: Progressive Group Holds Town Hall, With Focus Largely on Medicaid Cuts

“As Republican lawmakers across the United States face backlash during town hall meetings, or refuse to host them at all, one group in central Pennsylvania held their own town hall Wednesday evening to tell U.S. Rep. Scott Perry how they feel about proposed Medicaid cuts, among other concerns.”

The Keystone: Scott Perry Isn’t Holding Town Halls. His Constituents Did One Anyway, Aiming Ire at Trump, Musk

“Hundreds of Congressman Scott Perry’s (R-York) constituents crammed into AFSCME Council 13’s union hall just outside of Harrisburg on Wednesday for a town hall event, but there was one problem. Perry wasn’t in attendance.”

WGAL: US Rep. Scott Perry’s Constituents Urge Him to Protect Their Health Care

“‘Medicaid is the basic safety net that allows Pennsylvanians to survive. When you’re in your hardest time, the most vulnerable people need support sometimes to get access to health care,’ Catanese said.”

LA Times: Protesters Slam O.C. Republican Over Feared Trump Medi-Cal Cuts

“The group of about 200 workers, their supporters and constituents of Kim decried potential cuts to Medi-Cal, as Medicaid is known in California, and excoriated President Trump and tech titan Elon Musk, head of DOGE. The administration’s budget resolution proposes billions in tax and spending cuts.”

LA Times: After Party Rift on Shutdown, California Democrats Try to Refocus Budget Fight on Medicaid

“‘Our budget should be a statement of our national values. What is important to us should be reflected in that budget. But what we see now is an assault on our values as they make this assault on our budget,’ Rep. Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday at a UC San Francisco medical facility in her district, flanked by several other members of Congress, local doctors, community advocates and Medicaid recipients.”

LA Times: ‘I Wish You’d Be Angry.’ California Democrats Face Voter Fury Over Trump, Elon Musk

“Republican lawmakers who haven’t held town halls have seen protests outside their district offices. This week, about 200 healthcare workers, their unions and their supporters protested potential cuts to Medi-Cal, as Medicaid is known in California, outside the Anaheim Hills office of Rep. Young Kim.”

SF Chronicle: A Tale of Two Events: GOP Congressman Deflects on Medicaid Cuts, as Democrats Pounce

“On Tuesday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, joined Sen. Adam Schiff and others in San Francisco for a press conference to raise the alarm about the dangers of cutting Medicaid, which roughly 1 in 3 Californians relies on for some form of health care.”

Bakersfield Californian: Democratic Congressman to Hold Town Hall in Bakersfield

“‘I want to hear from people directly impacted by Trump’s mass firings and the Republicans’ $880 billion in Medicaid cuts,’ Khanna said in a description of the event.”

Bakersfield Californian: Valadao Responds to Democrat’s Visit

“Khanna said Republicans are following orders to ‘dodge their constituents’ protests,’ referring to advice from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, to not hold town-hall style meetings. Johnson claims paid protesters use such meetings to create a false narrative, according to the Associated Press.”

Bakersfield Californian: Second Out-Of-Town Democrat Announces Bakersfield Visit

“The town hall-style event comes just before another Democratic representative, Santa Clara’s Ro Khanna, will make an appearance at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Community Center in Bakersfield at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.”

WisPolitics: Protect Our Care: Sen. Baldwin sounds the alarm against GOP plans to slash Medicaid funding at Madison roundtable

“This week, I’ve been traveling across the state to talk with families about what’s at stake as Republicans work overtime to terminate their health care and rip the rug out from under them,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin.

Washington Examiner: Fractured Democrats Grasp for Unity During ‘Day of Action’

Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) will hold a press conference Tuesday morning with Protect Our Care and plans to hold a town hall that evening.These events and town halls come after Republicans were warned by National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC) to stop holding in-person town hall meetings following the backlash Republicans have seen over Department of Government Efficiency cuts led by billionaire Elon Musk.

Alaska Current: Alaskans Turn To Empty-Chair Town Halls as Sullivan, Begich Duck Outrage Over Trump

“Concerned Citizens of Juneau will hold its town hall at the Mendenhall Public Library on Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.The 907 Initiative is teaming up with several groups for an Anchorage town hall at the Loussac Library from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, titled the “Doormat Dan and Chicken Nick Town Hall.”

Lehigh Valley News: Hundreds Rally With Democrats Over Medicaid Threats, Trump Cuts

“More than 400 people filled the pews of a Southside church Thursday evening for a town hall meeting lacking its guest of honor, U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.”

Morning Call: At People’s Town Hall, Lehigh Valley residents and politicians attack Ryan Mackenzie, national Republicans

“Lehigh Valley residents and national and local politicians went on the attack at a People’s Town Hall in Bethlehem, criticizing Republican spending cuts that they fear threaten Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, and accusing their congressman, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, of not meeting with his constituents.”

TELEVISION

WGAL: Calls for Townhalls
WGAL: Advocates Hold Their Own Townhall
KYW: Advocates sound the alarm on cuts to Medicaid
KYW: Advocates discuss the dangers of Medicaid cuts
WGAL: Frustration Boils Over
WGAL: Where is Scott Perry?
SPNWS: Senator Baldwin Continues Her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour”
KYW: Pennsylvanians host their own townhall
WFMZ: Pennsylvanians call out Rep. Mackenzie for voting to cut Medicaid
WAVY: Rep. Scott hosts Medicaid roundtable in Norfolk
WRIC: Rep. Scott hosts Medicaid roundtable

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FACT SHEET: Major Premium Increases Are Coming If Republicans in Congress Take Away Tax Credits From Millions

As the ACA Turns 15, Republicans Are Still Trying to Sabotage the Law and Hike Premium Costs for More Than 20 Million Americans

Republicans in Congress are going to raise health care costs by taking away critical tax credits from working families. At a time when too many people struggle to pay their bills, working people cannot afford to pay higher premiums for their health insurance. Unless Republicans in Congress act now, costs will skyrocket by an average of $2,400 for millions of families, and 5 million people will lose their health care, including self-employed Americans, small business owners, people living in high-cost rural areas, farmers, people with pre-existing conditions, older adults, and more.

Instead of protecting health care for middle class families, Republicans are trying to hand out more tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. Democrats are united on this issue and fighting to stop premium increases. As of January 2025, a record nearly 24 million Americans are enrolled in quality, affordable coverage because of the tax credits passed by Democrats in Congress without a single Republican vote – that’s more than twice as many people with insurance as when Trump held office.

Americans agree – Congress needs to act now. 82 percent of Americans support extending the enhanced premium tax credits and the wide majority of Americans prefer Congress extend the premium tax credits over extending Trump’s 2017 tax law.

KEY POINTS:

5 million Americans would lose coverage if tax credits expire.

Premiums would increase for over 24 million Americans. Premiums will go up by an average of $2,400 per family.

Out-of-pocket costs would increase. Consumers would no longer be able to afford plans with lower-out-of-pocket costs.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners would lose affordable health care. 3.3 million small business owners and self-employed workers were covered by Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage in 2022, and their premiums would skyrocket.

Black and Latino Americans would disproportionately lose coverage. Approximately half of Black and Latino Americans who have gained coverage through the Affordable Care Act have done so thanks to the enhanced tax credits.

Premiums for individuals, families, and older Americans will skyrocket if Republicans allow the tax credits to expire. On average:

A 45-year-old making $60,000 will see their annual premium go up by $1,367.
A family of four making $125,000 will see their annual premium go up by $7,700.
A 60-year-old couple making $80,000 will see their annual premium go up by $17,511.

Find the KFF’s data for the number of Affordable Care Act enrollees who receive tax credits by state here.

If Republicans succeed, over 20 million Americans will face higher premiums and risk becoming uninsured. As of January 2025, a record-breaking 23.6 million Americans have enrolled in an ACA Marketplace plan for 2025, including 3.2 million new customers. This is an enrollment grain of approximately 13 million since President Trump held office in 2020. In a typical year, over 90% of enrollees receive a tax credit to lower their premium costs, so if tax credits were taken away, premiums for well over 20 million people would skyrocket.

If Republicans succeed, countless Americans with pre-existing conditions such as cancer and heart disease will be unable to afford care. 1 in 5 enrollees with chronic conditions including cancer, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes are expected to become uninsured. Coverage would be at risk for the 43 percent of cancer patients who say they rely on the enhanced premium tax credits to afford health coverage. 30 percent say they would need to delay or skip medical care to get by. Without the financial relief of the tax credits, 12 percent of cancer patients say they do not expect to survive their cancer.

If Republicans succeed, people living in rural America will suffer. Without tax credits, premiums are known to be higher in rural counties than suburban and metropolitan counties, but thanks to Democrats taking action to lower premiums, roughly 65 percent of rural Americans have access to zero-dollar premium health coverage and more than 76 percent are able to find a plan for less than $50 a month. If Republicans have their way, the divide between rural and urban America will grow wider – making it harder for rural families to make ends meet.

If Republicans succeed, low-wage workers will no longer have zero-dollar premiums. The Inflation Reduction Act ensures no Americans with incomes at or below about $15,000 for an individual, $20,400 for a couple, and $31,200 for a family of four (150 percent of the federal poverty level) pay a premium when buying their coverage on the Marketplace. If Republicans take away these tax credits, $0 premiums would be eliminated.

If Republicans succeed, the significant coverage gains among communities of color in America will be reversed. Enhanced premium tax credits have led to record high levels of insurance among the communities who often face the greatest barriers to accessing quality, affordable care. Thanks to Democrats, uninsurance rates among Black and Latino adults have been cut in half since the ACA was enacted. More than 65 percent of uninsured Black adults are eligible for zero-dollar premium plans and 75 percent are eligible for plans less than $50 a month. More than 68 percent of uninsured Latino adults are eligible for zero dollar premium plans and nearly 80 percent can access plans for less than $50 a month. With Republicans in charge, these benefits will go away and the percentage of uninsured could return to the double digits for both groups.

If Republicans succeed, America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs will suffer. Before the Affordable Care Act, self-employed workers and small businesses had limited options to purchase affordable, high-quality health coverage. The Affordable Care Act made it possible for people to start new businesses and maintain the security of affordable health coverage. 28 percent of enrollees are small business owners and entrepreneurs. Sadly, the vast majority will see their premiums increase if Republicans let the tax credits expire.

ashoup In News, Statement

STATEMENT: Fifteen Years of the Affordable Care Act Saving Lives and Republicans Are Still Trying to Rip It Away

Washington, D.C. — On Sunday it will have been fifteen years since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law, improving the health and well-being of millions across the nation. Since that historic day, the ACA has become a pillar of health care that Americans depend on. Not a single Republican voted for the ACA, and they continue to do everything in their power to undermine the law. The ACA has survived countless repeal attempts from the GOP, but they still want to destroy the law, the lifesaving access to health care it provides, and its protections for over 100 million people with pre-existing conditions. As threats to destroy the ACA escalate, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are dead-set on raising premium costs, slashing Medicaid funding, and hiking prescription drug costs for seniors. The Trump-led Republican scheme to gut the ACA will throw the entire health care system into chaos.

In response, Protect Our Care President Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: “It’s hard to think back to a time before the Affordable Care Act, but Trump and his Republican allies want to force millions of Americans who depend on it to go there. Back to a time when insurance companies ran the show, denying coverage for people with pre-existing conditions was the norm, young adults were thrown off their parents’ coverage, and older adults were charged an age tax. Republicans are turning that dark past into reality by pushing for premium hikes and by ripping away coverage from people who are struggling to pay their bills, just to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. On this important anniversary, it’s critical that we defend the ACA and its lifesaving protections from the GOP war on health care.”

Background:

Over the past fifteen years, health outcomes have improved across all age groups, inequities in access to care have narrowed, families have benefited from stronger financial security, and millions of people with pre-existing conditions have gotten the health care they need at an affordable cost thanks to the ACA. But this progress has not come easily. Trump and Republicans are working hand over fist to tear away the ACA and its protections and raise premium costs, slash Medicaid funding, and raise prescription drug costs for seniors.

If the ACA Is Repealed:

GONE: Medicaid expansion for the 40 states plus the District of Columbia who have expanded, covering about 24 million people.
GONE: Coverage for the 24.2 million people who signed up for Marketplace coverage for 2025.
GONE: Thousands of lives will be at risk without Medicaid expansion.
GONE: The ability for children to stay on their parent’s plans until age 26.

Families’ Health Care Costs Will Rise If the ACA is Repealed:

GONE: Coverage for the 3.9 million Americans newly signed up for a Marketplace plan for 2025.
GONE: Affordable plans for under $10 a month that four out of five enrollees are eligible for.
GONE: Record savings, with individuals saving an average of $800 annually and families saving an average of $2,400 annually on coverage.
GONE: Coverage of preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost to patients.
GONE: The requirement that forces insurance companies to cover essential benefits like prescription drugs and contraception, which benefits over 220 million Americans with private coverage.
GONE: Improved access to care and financial security for families.

How Patient Protections Would Disappear If the ACA is Repealed:

GONE: Protections for more than 100 million Americans with pre-existing conditions.
GONE: A ban on insurance companies charging women more for the same care as men.
GONE: A ban on insurance companies imposing annual and lifetime caps on coverage.
GONE: Reduced disparities and improved health outcomes for communities of color, rural Americans, people with disabilities, and more.

Health care costs would soar if Republicans repeal the ACA.

More Than 24.2 Million People Could Lose Coverage If The ACA Is Repealed. In 2025, a record-breaking 24.2 million people who buy insurance on their own signed up for health coverage through the ACA Marketplace. This is the highest number of Americans to ever enroll during an Open Enrollment Period and it is largely due to policies that lowered premiums in President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act. Families are now saving an average of $2,400 a year on their health insurance premiums. However, the ACA and Inflation Reduction Act are under Republican threat. If either is repealed, health care will become inaccessible and unaffordable for millions of Americans. Americans who lose Marketplace coverage will have to enroll through a private insurer, if they don’t qualify for Medicaid, to maintain coverage.

Premium Prices Will Rise and People Will Lose Coverage If Premium Tax Credits Aren’t Extended. Most people receiving coverage through the Marketplace qualify for tax credits to help pay for their premiums, and the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act made these savings more generous and available to more people. Four out of five people enrolling in a Marketplace plan have a plan for less than $10. The Inflation Reduction Act ensures all ACA enrollees never pay more than 8.5 percent of their household income on premiums. The law also expanded the eligibility for premium tax credits above 400 percent of the federal poverty level through 2025 — roughly $54,000 for a single person or $111,000 for a family of four. Previously, families earning more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level spent an average of 15 percent of their incomes on health insurance. Americans earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level (roughly $20,000 for a single person and $41,000 for a family of four) who buy their coverage on the Marketplace are able to enroll in a plan with $0 premiums. However, Republicans are putting these tax credits that help families at risk. At the end of 2025, tax credits will expire unless extended by Congress. If Republicans take away these tax credits, they’ll be taking away health care. Costs will skyrocket by an average of $2,400 for millions of families, and 5 million people will lose their health care.

Prescription Drugs Would No Longer Be Considered Essential. If the ACA is repealed, insurers will no longer have to cover what are known as “essential health benefits,” which includes prescription drugs. This required all health insurance plans to cover at least one drug in every category and class of approved medicines.

Repealing the ACA Will Make Birth Control Harder to Access and Afford. The ACA guarantees that private health plans cover all FDA-approved forms of contraception and make them available to 58 million patients with no out-of-pocket costs. More than 99 percent of sexually active women have used contraceptives at some point in their lifetimes, and approximately 60 percent of women of reproductive age currently use at least one birth control method. In 2013 alone, women saved $1.4 billion on birth control pills. Without this ACA provision, the costs of contraception would fall on women and their families.

Patients would no longer be protected from discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, gender, and sexuality if the ACA is repealed.

Up To 129 Million Americans With Pre-Existing Conditions Could Be Booted From Their Insurance. Because of the ACA, insurers in the individual market can no longer drop or deny coverage, or charge more because of a pre-existing condition. If the ACA is repealed, up to 129 million Americans who have a pre-existing health condition could lose coverage or see their cost of insurance increase.

Essential Health Benefits Would No Longer Be Covered. If Republicans get rid of the ACA, insurers will no longer be required to cover what are known as “essential health benefits,” such as maternity care, prescription drugs, and substance and mental health. Before the ACA, individual market plans often failed to cover these basic, and oftentimes preventive, health services.

Repealing the ACA Would Bring Back Annual And Lifetime Limits, Including For People With Employer-Based Coverage. The ACA put an end to insurers putting annual or lifetime limits on the care you receive. At the time the ACA was passed, 91 million Americans had health care through their employers that imposed lifetime limits. Many such plans capped benefits at $1 million, functionally locking people with complex medical needs out of coverage. 179 million Americans with employer coverage, in addition to the millions with ACA Marketplace coverage, will not be protected from lifetime limits if the ACA is repealed.

Women Won’t Be Protected Against Being Charged More Than Men. The ACA ensures that insurers can no longer charge women more than men for the same coverage, and insurers are now required to cover important health benefits like maternity care. Before the ACA, only 12 percent of individual market plans offered maternity care. The ACA established maternity coverage as one of the ten essential health benefits required on all new individual and small group policies. The American Rescue Plan created a pathway to coverage for pregnant Americans, allowing states to extend postpartum coverage under Medicaid from 60 days to 12 months following pregnancy. The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the industrialized world, with 30 percent of maternal deaths occurring between six weeks and one year following delivery, after Medicaid coverage has ended. Repealing the ACA, and therefore getting rid of the expansions made to Medicaid to provide coverage for mothers, pregnant people will go back to being uncovered during 12 months postpartum and women will no longer be guaranteed fairly priced coverage from insurance companies, putting many women at risk to go uninsured.

LGBTQI+ Americans Will No Longer Be Protected From Discrimination By Health Insurance Companies. Starting in April 2024, President Biden and HHS began requiring health insurance plans offered through the ACA to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics. LGBTQI+ Americans are more likely to be without health insurance than their non-LGBTQI+ counterparts. According to a Center for American Progress survey, in 2019, the LGBTQI+ uninsured rate was 20 percent in holdout states, compared to 8 percent in states that adopted Medicaid expansion. The repeal of the ACA would put access to affordable, quality health care plans in jeopardy for LGBTQI+ Americans and nearly 210,000 LGBTQI+ enrollees who currently have access to zero-premium plans would see prices rise.

ACA repeal would eliminate health care for millions of Americans on Medicaid:

States Would No Longer Have The Option To Expand Medicaid. Because of the ACA, states can expand Medicaid to millions of adults who previously did not qualify for affordable health care. Between 2013 and 2020, states that expanded their programs saw a 33.9 percent increase in Medicaid enrollment. 24.3 million Americans who enrolled in Medicaid thanks to Medicaid expansion would lose coverage if the ACA is repealed.

Rural Hospitals’ Uncompensated Care Costs Would Increase. Through lower premiums and expanded Medicaid, the ACA has profoundly reduced uncompensated care costs, which are often the direct result of individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Studies published in 2021 found that Medicaid expansion resulted in hospitals receiving higher reimbursements and decreased uncompensated care costs. In 2019, uncompensated care costs in expansion states were less than half of those in non-expansion states. Compared to 2013, hospitals’ uncompensated care costs decreased by more than $14 billion in 2017, or 26 percent. If Republicans get their way and repeal the ACA, rural hospitals will see uncompensated care costs rise to where they were pre-2010. This will put rural hospitals at a higher risk of closing, making it harder for rural Americans to access lifesaving care in times of need.

ACA Repeal Would Undo Major Gains Made By Medicaid Expansion. A study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that Medicaid expansion reduced all-cause mortality in people aged 20 to 64 by 3.6 percent. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Medicaid expansion saved the lives of 19,200 older adults aged 55 to 64 between 2014 and 2017. At the same time, 15,600 older adults died prematurely as a result of their state’s decision not to expand the program. ACA repeal would rip Medicaid coverage away from Americans in all expansion states and put millions of people at risk to not be able to access or afford the care they need.

Repeal of Medicaid Expansion Would Put Children At Risk. When parents have health insurance, their children are more likely to be insured. A study in Health Affairs found that 710,000 children gained public coverage as a result of their parents enrolling in Medicaid between 2013 and 2015. Without Medicaid as an option for parents, children are more likely to go uninsured. Having health insurance during childhood is paramount and has been shown to improve outcomes later in life. For each additional year of Medicaid eligibility as a child, adults by age 28 had higher earnings and made $533 additional cumulative tax payments due to their higher incomes.

Getting Rid of Medicaid Expansion Would Send People in Financial Peril. A January 2021 study found the ACA helped reduce income inequality across the board, but far more dramatically in Medicaid expansion states. The bottom 10th percentile of earners In Medicaid expansion states saw a 22.4 percent boost in their income, compared to 11.4 percent in non-expansion states. A 2019 study found that Medicaid Expansion also caused a “significant” reduction in poverty.

Republican repeal of the ACA would reduce access to preventive services and increase racial inequity:

Health Plans Would No Longer Be Required To Cover Preventive Screenings. Without the ACA, health plans would no longer be required to cover preventive services — like flu shots, cancer screenings, contraception, and mammograms – at no cost to consumers. This includes the 179 million Americans with employer coverage. Importantly, the ACA also requires plans to cover all vaccinations recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Preventive care is essential to comprehensive coverage and because of the ACA, insurers have to cover what are known as “essential health benefits,” such as maternity care, prescription drugs, and substance and mental health.

Racial Disparities In Health Outcomes Will Continue Without Preventive Care Protections. Access to preventive care starts with access to affordable coverage. The ACA led to historic reductions in racial disparities in access to health care, but racial gaps in insurance coverage narrowed the most in states that adopted Medicaid expansion. The ACA significantly reduced racial disparities in the share of people who went without care because of cost. If Republicans get rid of the ACA, the number of uninsured Americans will grow creating more of a rift in racial disparities.

Without Medicaid Expansion Infant And Maternal Health Will Deteriorate. Health care coverage has been shown to improve infant and maternal mortality outcomes. One study found that reductions in maternal mortality in expansion states were concentrated among Black mothers, “suggesting that expansion could be contributing to decreasing racial disparities in maternal mortality.” Expansion has also been tied to improving health outcomes for Black babies, significantly reducing racial disparities in low birth weight and premature birth. Republican threats to repeal the ACA’s Medicaid expansion would lead to increased death rates during pregnancy, postpartum, and infancy, especially among Black mothers and babies.

Disease-Specific Diagnosis And Treatment Will Suffer Without Preventive Care. A 2017 study called preventive care “one of the most important health care strategies to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, improve quality of life, and prevent premature death.” Yet, Republicans are threatening to rip it away along with the rest of the ACA. Access to preventive care through Medicaid expansion reduced racial disparities in cancer care and resulted in earlier diagnosis and treatment for Black patients. According to the Center for American Progress, Black women were more likely to receive care because of the ACA.

ashoup In News

THIS WEEK: Protect Our Care Continues Events Across the Country to Call On Republicans to Put an End to Their War on American Health Care

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MARCH 20 – MARCH 23***

Protect Our Care Holds Events In Alaska, Arizona, California, Iowa, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin

This week, Protect Our Care is hosting events across the nation headlined by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), and Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) to call on Republicans to put an end to their war on health care. Protect Our Care is also joining events alongside SEIU to discuss the importance of Medicaid to patients, workers, and communities. Republicans are trying to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. At the same time, they’re trying to take away critical tax credits from working families, which will raise premium costs for millions. Speakers will address the urgent need for Congress to stop Republican efforts to slash Medicaid and raise premiums, and they will call on lawmakers to protect affordable access to health care for Americans, not take it away.

Already, Protect Our Care has hosted events including U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) in Arizona, Virginia, and New York. Protect Our Care, alongside SEIU, held Medicaid Week of Action events in Maine, Pennsylvania, and California. Read headlines from the events below:

Arizona Mirror: ‘Make Them Fear Voters More Than Trump’: Kelly, Gallego Rally Against GOP Medicaid Cuts
13NewsNow: Congressman Bobby Scott Hosts Medicaid Roundtable Amid Fears of Cuts
13NewsNow: Hampton Roads Caregivers Raise Alarm About Possible Cuts to Medicaid: ‘Devastated, Afraid and Shocked’
WAVY: Rep. Scott Hosts Medicaid Roundtable in Norfolk
Virginia Mercury: ‘Not on Our Watch’: McClellan Stresses Congressional Fight to Defend Medicaid From Potential Cuts
Times West Virginian: Protestors Demand Accountability From Congressional Republicans in Morgantown
WGAL: Calls for Townhalls
WGAL: Advocates Hold Their Own Townhall
KYW
KYW

THURSDAY

ALASKA

WHO:
Advocates
SEIU caregivers
907 Initiative

WHAT: Medicaid Empty Suit Townhall

WHERE: Wilda Marston Theater at Loussac Library, 3600 Denali St, Anchorage, AK 99503

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM AKT // 10 PM ET

CALIFORNIA

WHO:
Activate America
Power CA Action
Poder Latinx
Dolores Huerta Foundation

WHAT: “Hands Off Our Healthcare” Town Hall

WHERE: Meitzenheimer Community Center, 830 S Blackstone Street, Tulare, CA 93274

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM PT // 9 PM ET

NEW YORK

WHO:
Long Island clergy and faith communities
Long Island Jobs with Justice
Healthcare Education Project
1199SEIU

WHAT: SEIU Medicaid Week of Action Faith Leaders Event

WHERE: Meitzenheimer Community Center, 830 S Blackstone Street, Tulare, CA 93274

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 12 PM ET

NORTH CAROLINA

WHO:
State Representative Julie von Haefen (D-NV-36)
Shannon Dingle, Little Lobbyists
Eric Schneidewind, Former AARP National President
Vanessa Watson, Protect Our Care North Carolina

WHAT: Medicaid Defense Press Conference

WHERE: Register for the Zoom here [Registration required]

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 11 AM ET

PENNSYLVANIA

WHO:
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Make The Road Pennsylvania
PA House Elected Officials
Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates
Michael Berman, Protect Our Care Pennsylvania

WHAT: SEIU Medicaid Week of Action “Medicaid Accountability Town Hall” in Bethlehem

WHERE: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St, Bethlehem, PA

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM ET

WISCONSIN

WHO:
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Tyler Engel, Storyteller
Chad Sobieck, Storyteller
Chris Witt, Advanced Employment/Host
Christie Whiting, Storyteller
Cindy Piotrow, Storyteller
Kathy Seiler, Storyteller
Joe Zepecki, Protect Our Care Wisconsin

WHAT: Medicaid Defense Press Conference

WHERE: Email Joe Zepecki at [email protected] for location

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 10 AM CT // 11 AM ET

FRIDAY

ALASKA

WHO:
SEIU caregivers
Medicaid advocates

WHAT: Medicaid Stories Postcard Dropoff

WHERE: 510 L Street Suite 600 Anchorage, AK 99501

WHEN: Friday, March 21 at 3 PM AKT // 7 PM ET

IOWA

WHO:
Laura Packard, ACA Advocate & Cancer Survivor
MJ, Margarida Jorge, Health Care & Tax Policy Expert
Amy Adams, Protect Our Care Iowa

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Press Conference

WHERE: Register for the Zoom here [Registration required]

WHEN: Friday, March 21 at 12 PM CT // 1 PM ET

WISCONSIN

WHO:
Governor Tony Evers (D-WI)
Cierra Chesir, Storyteller
Krisjon Olson, Storyteller
Joe Zepecki, Protect Our Care Wisconsin

WHAT: ACA Anniversary Press Conference

WHERE: Register for the Zoom here [Registration required]

WHEN: Friday, March 21 at 10:30 AM CT // 11:30 AM ET

SATURDAY

NEW YORK

WHO:
Health care advocates

WHAT: Medicaid Week of Action Town Hall

WHERE: Dramatic Hall, 900 Main St., Peekskill, NY

WHEN: Saturday, March 22 at 1 PM ET

VIRGINIA

WHO:
Health care advocates

WHAT: Medicaid Week of Action Rally

WHERE: VA-02

WHEN: Saturday, March 22 at TBA

SUNDAY

CALIFORNIA

WHO:
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17)
California Medicaid advocates and storytellers

WHAT: Benefits Over Billionaires Tour

WHERE: Martin Luther King Community Center, 1000 S Owens St, Bakersfield, CA 93307

WHEN: Sunday, March 23 at 11:30 AM PST

WHO:
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17)
California Medicaid advocates and storytellers

WHAT: Benefits Over Billionaires Tour

WHERE: Norco College Amphitheater, 2001 Third St, Norco, CA 92860

WHEN: Sunday, March 23 at 4:30 PM PST

WHO:
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17)
California Medicaid advocates and storytellers

WHAT: Benefits Over Billionaires Tour

WHERE: Peralta Canyon Park, 115 N Pinney Dr, Anaheim, CA 92807

WHEN: Sunday, March 23 at 7 PM

News

STATEMENT: The Trump Administration Is Putting An Anti-Vax Quack Scientist and Fake Doctor In Charge of “Researching” Long-Debunked Claims That Vaccines Cause Autism

NEW REPORT: Republicans Are Trading Our Health Care for Tax Breaks for Billionaires

NEW ADS: Protect Our Care Launches Spanish-Language Ads About Damage GOP Medicaid Cuts Would Have on Hispanic Communities

NUEVOS ANUNCIOS: Protect Our Care Lanza Anuncios en Español Sobre el Daño que los Recortes Republicanos a Medicaid Tendrían en las Comunidades Hispanas

Medicaid is a Lifeline for Rural Communities, Republicans Want to Abandon Them to Pay for Tax Breaks for Billionaires

State

Hospital Closures Since 2005

Hospitals At Risk of Closing*

Hospitals at Immediate Risk of Closing**

Number of Rural Hospitals Left

Has This State Expanded Medicaid?

THIS WEEK: Protect Our Care Continues Events Across the Country to Call On Republicans to Put an End to Their War on American Health Care

Trump’s War on Health Care: Public Health Watch

HEADLINES: Lawmakers and Advocates Across The Country Stand Up For Medicaid, Reject Republican Health Care Cuts

FACT SHEET: Major Premium Increases Are Coming If Republicans in Congress Take Away Tax Credits From Millions

STATEMENT: Fifteen Years of the Affordable Care Act Saving Lives and Republicans Are Still Trying to Rip It Away

THIS WEEK: Protect Our Care Continues Events Across the Country to Call On Republicans to Put an End to Their War on American Health Care

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