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In News

HEADLINES: Trump Calls for Termination of the Affordable Care Act Putting “Health Care for Tens of Millions of People … In Jeopardy”

Over the weekend, Donald Trump renewed calls to “terminate” the Affordable Care Act (ACA), claiming his administration’s failure to repeal the ACA was “a low point for the Republican party.” The news comes as the ACA covers more Americans than ever before, with President Biden and Democrats in Congress lowering costs and making enrollment easier. The Trump-MAGA agenda of repealing the ACA is rejected by the American people, costing Republicans at the ballot box repeatedly, and unpopular among voters of all parties. 

IN THE NEWS:

The New York Times: Biden Campaign Aims to Weaponize Trump’s Threat to Obamacare. “Very few events bring aides on President Biden’s re-election campaign more joy than when former President Donald J. Trump threatens to repeal popular Democratic policies… Mr. Biden’s aides intend to once again push to make Mr. Trump and his proposals the news. ” [The New York Times, 11/27/23]

The Washington Post: Opinion: Efforts to Kill Obamacare Made it Popular. Trump Says He’ll Try Again. “Most Republican politicians have now figured out that talking about health care is a political liability, so they’ve shut up about it… Trump hasn’t gotten the message, though. Over the weekend, he declared on social media that the failure to terminate Obamacare during his presidency… If you’re wondering who is actually trying to fix such problems, though, don’t look to Republican politicians, who remain reluctant to talk about health care even when directly asked… Instead, look to President Biden, who’s implemented a bunch of little-noticed, technical measures to improve Americans’ access to care and lower their costs.” [The Washington Post, 11/28/23]

Huffpost: It Looks Like Donald Trump Still Wants To Repeal Obamacare. “Donald Trump says he is still interested in repealing the Affordable Care Act, which means health care for tens of millions of people would be in jeopardy if he becomes president again next year… Republicans, for their part, have grown relatively quiet on the topic. That may have something to do with polls showing the law to be relatively popular, as well as memories of just how much the last repeal effort alienated voters.” [Huffpost, 11/27/23]

New York Magazine: Why A Second Trump Presidency Might Try Again To Repeal Obamacare. “Under current conditions, if Republicans want to cut taxes, they would likely cause interest rates to spike, bringing immediate economic pain. They will have to cut spending if they want to cut taxes. Social spending, especially the kind that benefits the poor and the sick, is their least favorite kind of spending. The Republican Party’s traditional Reaganite wing has never accepted Obamacare specifically or the principle that people have a right to medical care generally. So while Republican elites are deeply divided over Donald Trump’s personal behavior, they are largely united in their antipathy to the Affordable Care Act. Obamacare is popular, and cutting it would risk another white-hot political backlash.” [New York Magazine, 11/27/23]

Axios: Trump Says He’s “Seriously Looking” At Obamacare Alternatives. “Former President Trump revealed that he’s “seriously looking at alternatives” to the Affordable Care Act, calling the failure to repeal and replace Obamacare during his administration “a low point for the Republican Party…” Despite having full control of the White House and Congress, Republicans’ long-running efforts to repeal and replace the ACA were defeated in 2017 when Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) delivered his famous thumbs-down vote on the Senate floor.” [Axios, 11/27/23]

Axios: Trump’s Obamacare Gift. “Christmas has come early for Democratic campaign staffers, courtesy of former President Trump’s vow over the holiday weekend to “never give up” on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats are eager to revive their health care playbook from 2018, when the party rode a “blue wave” to the House majority by aggressively campaigning on Republican attempts to gut Obamacare… Nearly 60% of Americans had a favorable view of the ACA as of May 2023, with support steadily rising from 50% at the start of the pandemic, according to KFF tracking surveys.” [Axios, 11/27/23]

NBC News: Trump Revives Push To Eliminate Obamacare, Sparking Biden Campaign Blowback. “Republican presidential primary front-runner Donald Trump revived calls to roll back Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, if he returns to the White House… After trying and failing to repeal the ACA, and suffering for it at the ballot box, Republican candidates abandoned their calls for eliminating the law in the 2022 midterm elections, recognizing the push as a political loser. But Trump could bring it back in 2024… While unpopular when it first passed, the law has enjoyed higher public support since its most popular provisions took effect…” [NBC News, 11/27/23]

The Washington Post: Trump Wants A Do-Over On Repealing Obamacare. That Seems Unwise. “After years of Republicans effectively giving up on their long-stated goal of repealing Obamacare, Trump signaled it’s back on the table — and even a priority for him… But what’s clear is that an effort to “terminate” Obamacare is not something Americans are pining for. Not only were the GOP’s efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare during Trump’s term historically unpopular, but the law also appears to have gotten more popular since then. Perhaps most strikingly, this doesn’t even appear to be a major emphasis for the GOP base.” [The Washington Post, 11/27/23]

The Washington Post: Opinion: Here’s Why Trump Should Stop Trying To Repeal Obamacare. “Trump didn’t have to make Obamacare an issue again. It was the pre-Trump Republican Party that turned opposition to it into a cause… 13 years after Obama signed his health-care policies into law, and after multiple important revisions to them, considering Obamacare in isolation from the rest of the health-care system makes no sense. It will make even less sense in 2025, when Trump will take office again if he wins the election.” [The Washington Post, 11/27/23]

The Washington Times: Trump Says GOP Cannot Give Up On Repealing Obamacare. “Mr. Trump, writing on his social media platform, said “the cost of Obamacare is out of control, plus, it’s not good Healthcare.” “I’m seriously looking at alternatives,” he wrote over the weekend… It’s unclear whether there is much appetite among Republicans for revisiting health care. The law and its benefits are deeply entrenched… More than 18 million additional persons are eligible for Medicaid insurance because of Obamacare, and more and more red states are opting to accept generous federal funding that made Medicaid expansion possible.” [The Washington Times, 11/27/23]

The Hill: Trump Claims He Is ‘Seriously’ Looking At Obamacare Alternatives. “Trump reinjecting life into the health care debate could backfire for Republicans, who have largely given up campaigning against ObamaCare, an acknowledgment that health care is a losing issue for them… “40 million people – more than 1 in 10 Americans – have health insurance today because of the Affordable Care Act and Donald Trump just said he would try to rip it away if he returns to power. He was one vote away from getting it done when he was president – and we should take him at his word that he’ll try to do it again,” Moussa said in a statement.” [The Hill, 11/27/23] 

MSNBC: Why Trump’s New Offensive Against The Affordable Care Act Matters. “Trump is inviting a political fight he’s very likely to lose. Semafor reported overnight that President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign “is eagerly planning to make the Affordable Care Act a bigger issue” in response to Trump’s missive… Ahead of his 2016 election, Trump assured voters he’d replace the Affordable Care Act with “something terrific,” but he refused to provide any details. In the years that followed, the Republican continued to assure the public he and his team would unveil an amazing health care plan that would offer more coverage at a lower cost. It’s a promise that always went unmet.” [MSNBC, 11/27/23]

Politico: Senate Republicans Shrug Off Trump’s Latest Bid To Scrap Obamacare. “Republicans still say they dislike Obamacare and want to bring health care costs down. But as far as scrapping the law? “I don’t see that as being the rallying cry. I really don’t,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said… Indeed, many Republicans said if their party can reclaim the White House as well as Senate majority in 2025, they will probably try to take some action on health insurance costs, drug prices and transparency. But as far as ripping up Obamacare, as the GOP once vowed to do? Well, that ship has sailed.” [Politico, 11/27/23]

Newsweek: Donald Trump’s Obamacare Attack Could Backfire Spectacularly. “59 percent of U.S. adults have a favorable opinion about the policy when it is described as the “Affordable Care Act or Obamacare,” while 40 percent view the act unfavorably, which suggests Trump may fail to drum up support by attacking it. KFF data also shows the proportion of people enrolled in the ACA is high in key battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina. Differing stances on Obamacare could swing voters in the 2024 election… “The former president seems to have warped himself into a time machine back to 2012 where that was a smart Republican talking point. No longer.”” [Newsweek, 11/28/23]

Semafor: Trump Says He Still Wants To Repeal Obamacare. GOP Senators Say Not So Fast. “Republican Senators are reacting cautiously after Donald Trump said over the weekend that he might try to repeal the Affordable Care Act if he returns to the White House, with some suggesting another push to fully scrap the health law was unlikely… it’s unclear how much appetite exists among Republicans to try and fulfill a campaign promise that animated their party a decade ago. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, a Trump ally in the Senate, said key planks of Obamacare are “broadly popular” with the American public including Republicans, such as rules barring insurers from denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions or charging sick people more for healthcare.” [Semafor, 11/27/23]

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In News, Press Call

PRESS CALL: Senator Wyden, Rep. Allred and Protect Our Care Respond To Donald Trump’s Latest Attacks Against the ACA

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 AT 4:00 PM ET***

Washington, DC — On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 4:00 PM ET, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Colin Allred (TX-32) will join Protect Our Care to discuss how Donald Trump’s mission to “terminate” the Affordable Care Act (ACA) jeopardizes the health and well-being of millions of people across the nation. Over the weekend, Donald Trump renewed calls to repeal the ACA, claiming his administration’s failure to repeal the ACA was “a low point for the Republican party.” His comments echo the words of other MAGA-Republican lawmakers who are actively working to slash the ACA and Medicaid, raise prescription drug costs for seniors, and put drug and insurance companies back in charge at the expense of American families.

Repealing the ACA means ripping away protections for the over 135 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, hiking premium costs for millions of working families, and allowing insurance companies to deny basic care like hospital visits and prescription drugs. In total, 20 million Americans would lose coverage and 15 million would see higher health care costs. Read more here. 

PRESS CALL:

WHO:
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR)
U.S. Representative Colin Allred (TX-32)
Laura Packard,  storyteller
Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care

WHAT: Virtual Press Conference 

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

WHEN: Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 4:00 PM ET

ashoup
In News

Trump Once Again Vows to “Terminate” the Affordable Care Act as MAGA Republican War on Health Care Marches On

Washington, D.C. — Over the weekend, Donald Trump renewed calls to “terminate” the Affordable Care Act (ACA), calling his administration failure to repeal the ACA “a low point for the Republican party.” Repealing the ACA means ripping away protections for the over 135 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, hiking premium costs for millions of working families, and putting insurance companies back in charge, allowing them to deny basic care like hospital visits and prescription drugs. As a result, tens of millions would lose coverage.

At a time when more people are covered by the ACA than ever before, the consequences would be devastating, particularly for people of color, older adults, rural populations, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQI+ community. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“The Republicans’ war on health care is alive and well. Trump is vowing to repeal the ACA at the same time a record number are signing up and benefiting from lower costs thanks to President Biden and Democrats in Congress. Trump and MAGA Republicans will stop at nothing to raise health costs and eliminate critical protections. Republicans are not only working to repeal the ACA, but they want to slash Medicare and Medicaid, raise drug prices for seniors, and rip away all of the new benefits under the Inflation Reduction Act. If Republicans get their way, 135 million people with pre-existing conditions will lose protection and millions will lose coverage altogether. Some things never change: Republicans continue to put profits over the well-being of hardworking people across our country.” 

Background

If the Affordable Care Act is repealed:

  • GONE: Protections for 135 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, including 54 million people with a pre-existing condition that would make them completely uninsurable.
  • GONE: Medicaid expansion, which covers more than 21 million people. 
  • GONE: 49 million seniors will have to pay more for prescription drugs because the Medicare ‘donut hole’ will be reopened.
  • GONE: 2.3 million adult children will no longer be able to stay on their parents’ insurance. 
  • GONE: Insurance companies will be able to charge women more than men.
  • GONE: Premium tax credits that help 80 percent of people who purchase health care on the marketplace.
  • GONE: Key support for rural hospitals. 
  • GONE: Ban on insurance companies having lifetime caps on coverage.
  • GONE: Requirements that insurance companies cover prescription drugs and maternity care.
  • GONE: 61.5 million Medicare beneficiaries will face higher costs and disruptions to their medical care. 

Read more:
Report: The MAGA Republican War on American Health Care
Fact Sheet: The GOP’s Threat To The ACA Is As Real As Ever

ashoup
In News, Report, Research

NEW REPORT: Big Drug Companies Continue To Bring In Hundreds of Billions While Americans Struggle To Afford Skyrocketing Prices

Read the Full Report Here.

Washington, DC — Protect Our Care is releasing a new report detailing pharmaceutical companies’ sky-high revenues as they continue charging unaffordable prices to patients. In total, the 16 top companies reported $176.7 billion in total global revenue for the third quarter, and have rewarded shareholders by announcing dividend payments and stock buybacks totalling $26.8 billion. According to the report, the same big drug companies that are trying to block Medicare negotiation in court had more than $100 billion in revenue in Q3 alone.

Passed last year by President Biden and Democrats in Congress, the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program will finally give Medicare the authority to negotiate lower prices, making prescription drugs more affordable for millions of seniors. Big drug companies are talking in court about all the harm they will suffer from negotiations, but they’re telling investors the opposite and spending billions on rewarding their investors through stock buybacks and dividends, paying their executives millions, and spending millions lobbying to keep their prices high. 

Key Points:

  • We followed the Q3 2023 earnings reports of 16 drug companies.
  • These 16 companies reported $176.7 billion in total global revenue for the third quarter, and have announced dividend payments and stock buybacks totalling $26.8 billion. 
  • The eight publicly traded drug makers of the first ten drugs selected for negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act brought in more than $100 billion in the third quarter alone, and a total of $285 billion in the first nine months of 2023.
  • These eight drug companies have rewarded shareholders with nearly $20 billion in stock buybacks to date in 2023.
  • Contrary to their fearmongering to lawmakers and patients about diminished incentives to invest in innovation,  top drug companies bragged to Wall Street about their investment in new, innovative drugs.

“Drug companies’ greed knows no bounds,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Our nation’s seniors depend on the savings from the Inflation Reduction Act so they don’t have to choose between filling their prescription and filling their refrigerator. Make no mistake: big drug companies are only trying to roll back the law to protect their outrageous profits.”

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In News, Report, Research

NEW REPORT: Reps. Castro and Gallego, UnidosUS Action Fund, and Protect Our Care Discuss Report on the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act for Latino Families

Watch the Full Event Here.

Read the Full Report in English Here. 

Read the Full Report in Spanish Here.

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-03) joined UnidosUS Action Fund and Protect Our Care for a press call discussing the importance of accessing lower healthcare costs through the ongoing Medicare and Affordable Care Act open enrollment periods, and how the Inflation Reduction Act is lowering health care costs for Latino families. During the call, UnidosUS Action Fund and Protect Our Care released a report detailing how the Inflation Reduction Act is benefiting Latinos nationwide.

According to the report, Latinos face disproportionately high adverse health outcomes with Latino seniors being the most likely to experience affordability challenges of any racial/ethnic group in America. The Inflation Reduction Act addresses this challenge by lowering the out-of-pocket cost of health coverage and prescription drugs, which will especially help Latinos who face barriers to care due to unaffordable costs.

The report also spotlights the states with the highest Latino populations, including Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. The report also details how half of the first ten drugs selected to have lower prices negotiated by Medicare are disproportionately taken by Latino Medicare enrollees. 

“Last year, Congressman Gallego and I worked with our Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic investment in good jobs, affordable health care, and better lives for America’s families and seniors. More than a year later, the Inflation Reduction Act is capping prescription drug costs and lowering health care premiums for millions of Americans, especially in Latino communities that have disproportionately struggled with access to care,” said Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20). “As we approach the final weeks of open enrollment, I strongly urge all Americans to visit Healthcare.gov and Medicare.gov and check out their coverage options today.”

“The report from Protect Our Care and UnidosUS underscores what we have long known: that the Inflation Reduction Act is saving Latinos in Arizona hundreds of dollars on health care,” said Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-03). “Insulin is now capped at $35 a month, drug companies are finally being held accountable for their price gouging tactics, and even more savings are coming. I look forward to continuing my work to build on these improvements and lower prescription drug and health care costs for all Arizonans.”

“Increasing engagement between the Latino community and the benefits offered by programs like Medicare and the Inflation Reduction Act is imperative, not only to ensure the health of our communities but to our financial health and economic prosperity as a nation,” said Rafael Collazo, Executive Director of the UnidosUS Action Fund.

“I have lived with Type One Diabetes now for almost 28 years, so I have been through not having insurance, having to insulin ration – I understand those struggles,” said Yamelisa Taveras, founder of The Unidos Foundation. “I understand what our community needs, which is why I founded The Unidos Foundation. So seeing the huge changes, especially the insulin cap, I know that is something that benefits me personally, but it definitely benefits a great number of individuals who live within my community. These changes are necessary and we need to support them. ” 

“The Inflation Reduction Act is a game-changer, especially for Latino families,” said Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care. “Between lowering premium costs for families, capping insulin costs and drug costs for seniors, penalizing drug companies for egregious price hikes, and giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, the benefits of this historic legislation are already being seen across the nation. Thanks to President Biden and Democrats in Congress, not only will Latino seniors and families save thousands of dollars a year, but they will also be able to access the health care they need and deserve.”

“I was paying $780 in insurance, but that doesn’t include all my medicines for my asthma and I was not yet old enough to be on Medicare,” said Ana Valenzuela, Deputy Director of the Arizona LULAC. “Luckily, I was on Medicare when I was diagnosed with cancer. And eventually, the Inflation Reduction Act will limit my out-of-pocket spending to $2,000. The Inflation Reduction Act is really working for a lot of us. We need these programs that are really going to help our health care. Like President Biden said, ‘We are stronger as a Nation when we work together to lift everyone’s well-being.’”

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In News, Press Call

PRESS CALL: UnidosUS Action Fund and Protect Our Care Release Report on the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Latino Families

Rep. Joaquin Castro and Rep. Ruben Gallego will lead discussion on the importance of participating in Medicare open enrollment and leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act to bridge healthcare inequities.

Washington, D.C. — UnidosUS Action Fund and Protect Our Care will host a virtual press conference on Nov. 15 at 3 P.M. ET / Noon PT to discuss the open-enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act and Medicare and how the Inflation Reduction Act is benefiting Latinos nationwide. The conversation will feature Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX 20th District) and Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ 3rd District). 

The Inflation Reduction Act works to bridge the healthcare gap and improve access to medication by improving prescription drug coverage and lowering drug prices in Medicare. Americans pay 2 to 3 times more for their prescription drugs than people in other wealthy countries leading to racial and ethnic health inequities. States with the highest Latino populations like California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida and Texas benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act as half of the drugs selected for negotiation treat conditions that disproportionately impact Latinos.

DOWNLOAD: Lowering Health Care Costs for Latinos: How the Inflation Reduction Act Makes Coverage and Prescription Drugs More Affordable

PRESS CALL:

WHO:
Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX 20th District)
Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ 3rd District)
Rafael Collazo, Executive Director, UnidosUS Action Fund
Yamelisa Taveras, founder, The Unidos Foundation
Ana Valenzuela, Deputy Director, Arizona LULAC
Leslie Dach, Chair, Protect Our Care

WHAT: UnidosUS Action Fund and Protect Our Care Press Conference to discuss ACA and Medicare open enrollment and Inflation Reduction Act benefits to recipients.

WHERE: Virtual Conference via Zoom registration

WHEN: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 3 P.M. ET // 12:00 P.M. PT

WHY: The Inflation Reduction Act has made health care and prescription drugs more affordable for more people in the United States and for Latinos in particular. Latino seniors are most likely to experience affordability challenges with the Inflation Reduction Act than any racial/ethnic group in America.

  • Latinos are among the most vulnerable to needing high-cost prescriptions. 
  • Latino seniors are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to report difficulty affording prescription medications than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. 
  • Latino seniors are among the least likely of any racial/ethnic group to have ever received a shingles vaccine compared to their non-Hispanic White, Black, and Asian counterparts.
  • Latinos are 1.7 times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes.
  • Latinos are twice as likely to be hospitalized for treatment of end-stage renal disease related to diabetes compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts.
  • Latinos are more likely to have higher levels of disability-related diabetes (3.2%) and hypertension (2.7%) compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts.
  • Latinos are among the most likely to have activity limitations due to arthritis of any racial/ethnic group.
ashoup
In News

Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” Tour Reaches The End of the Road After Three Weeks of Educating Seniors Across the Nation

Medicare-A-Van Traveled To 10 States, Made 22 Stops, and Covered Nearly 7,000 Miles in Three Weeks

Over the last three weeks, Protect Our Care’s Medicare-A-Van traveled nearly 7,000 miles during the 10-state, 22-stop “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour to educate seniors across the nation about new benefits and savings thanks to legislation signed into law last year by President Biden. Protect Our Care also made headlines across the nation educating seniors on the new benefits under the Inflation Reduction Act, including free vaccines, $35 insulin caps, protections from outrageous price hikes, and lower drug costs thanks to Medicare negotiation. 

Protect Our Care was joined by one lieutenant governor, two state senators, one state representative, one director from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, four regional directors from the Department of Health and Human Services, nine local officials, and many health care advocates. Headliners of the events included Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Dr. Meena Seshamani, Director of the Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and HHS Regional Directors Michael Cabonargi (Region 5), Antrell Tyson (Region 4), Dara Kass (Region 2), and Dr. Jeffrey Reynoso (Region 9).

Watch All Tour Stops Here

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK

State Senator John Mannion and Syracuse Common Council President Helen Hudson joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at Syracuse City Hall to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • Spectrum News CNY: Protect Our Care Medicare is Better Than Ever Van Tour Stops in Syracuse

Watch the event here.

NEW WINDSOR, NEW YORK

State Senator James Skoufis joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Marasco Senior Center in New Windsor to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • MidHudson News: Protect Our Care’s Medicare is Better Than Ever tour rolls into Orange County
  • News12 Westchester: Protect Our Care Medicare is Better Than Ever Van Tour Stops in Westchester

Watch the event here.

WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK

Westchester County Executive George Latimer and HHS Regional Director Dara Kass joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Theodore D. Young Community Center in White Plains to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at Sheeley’s Drug Store in Scranton to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center in Harrisburg to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • WGAL (NBC): Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour in Harrisburg
  • WTAE (ABC) Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour in Harrisburg
  • WBNG (CBS) Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour in Harrisburg
  • KSLA (CBS) Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour in Harrisburg
  • WPMT (FOX): Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour in Harrisburg
  • PACast: Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour in Harrisburg
  • 21News (CBS): Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour Touts Savings for Seniors
  • WGAL (NBC): Event touts Medicare improvements that could help seniors save thousands on prescription drugs

Watch the event here.

FLINT, MICHIGAN

HHS Regional Director Michael Cabonargi joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Brennan Senior Center in Flint to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

LANSING, MICHIGAN

HHS Regional Director Michael Cabonargi joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • WLNS (CBS): Preview: “Medicare is Better Than Ever” Tour Stops in Lansing
  • WLAJ (ABC): Preview: Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour Visits Lansing
  • WILX (NBC): Medicare Helpers Tour The Nation
  • WILX 10 (NBC): Non-profit stops in Lansing while touring nation on helping seniors with Medicare

Watch the event here.

MADISON, WISCONSIN

HHS Regional Director Michael Cabonargi joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Goodman Community Center in Madison to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

Coverage:

  • WisPolitics: Protect Our Care: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Administrator headlines “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour stop in Madison

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

HHS Regional Director Michael Cabonargi joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Washington Park Senior Center in Milwaukee to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA

Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour with health care advocates at Ralph Sampson Park in Harrisonburg to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA

Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea and Delegate Sam Rasoul joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour with health care advocates at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Roanoke to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • WDBJ (CBS): Medicare is Better Than Ever Tour Stops in Roanoke

Watch the event here.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

State Representative Sarah Crawford joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour with health care advocates at Moore Square Park in Raleigh to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • WNCN (CBS) The Medicare is Better than Ever Van Tour comes to Raleigh

Watch the event here.

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour with health care advocates at City Center Park in Greensboro to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

EAST POINT, GEORGIA

HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson headlined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour with state officials and health care advocates at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility in East Point to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • Marietta Daily Journal: Chairman Robb Pitts Stopped by East Point as Part of Tour to prove ‘Medicare is Better Than Ever’

Watch the event here.

LITHONIA, GEORGIA

HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson, Demetrius E. McCoy with DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Johnson’s office and Kathy Register with Congressman Hank Johnson’s office joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Stonecrest to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Dr. Meena Seshamani, Director of the Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Valle del Sol Community Health Center in Central Phoenix to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • KJZZ (NPR): In Phoenix yesterday, Medicare Director touted new benefits to seniors

Watch the event here.

TUCSON, ARIZONA

Dr. Meena Seshamani, Director of the Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Tucson Medical Center to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Vida Lin, Asian Community Development Council President, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Las Vegas Integrative Medicine Clinic to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

RENO, NEVADA

Shuyi Huang, Asian Community Development Council Family Services Manager, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Wat Buddhapradeep Temple in Sparks to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

HHS Regional Director Dr. Reynoso, Region 9, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the California State Capitol in Sacramento to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • KCRA (NBC): Preview clip: Medicare is Better than Ever tour will make a stop in Sacramento

Watch the event here.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Laguna Hills Community Center in Laguna Hills to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Mayor Pro Tem and Carlsbad City Council Member Priya Bhat-Patel joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Carlsbad Senior Center in Carlsbad to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

Additional “Medicare Autumn” Coverage

NATIONAL

COLORADO

  • KDVR: ‘Protect Our Care’ Says Seniors Will Save on Prescription Drugs in 2024

CONNECTICUT

MARYLAND

  • WBFF: Medicare Open Enrollment Brings New Benefits and Savings for Millions of Seniors

MICHIGAN

NEVADA

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

  • KOKH: Seniors to Experience Relief in 2024: New Savings on Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs

SOUTH CAROLINA

  • WCIV: Protect Our Care

TENNESSEE

  • WTVC: Seniors to Experience Prescription Drug Cost Relief in 2024

TEXAS

UTAH

  • KUTV: New Benefits for Seniors During Open Enrollment

VIRGINIA

  • WVTF: Virginia’s State-Run Health Insurance Marketplace Is Live for the First Time

WISCONSIN

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In News

Week Three: Protect Our Care Drives Home That “Medicare is Better Than Ever” In Arizona, Nevada, and California

Director of the Center for Medicare Dr. Meena Seshamani, HHS Regional Director Dr. Reynoso, Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo, and Local Officials Headlined “Medicare is Better Than Ever” Tour Events to Educate Seniors About Lower Drug Prices

On the final week of Protect Our Care’s 7,000-mile “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour, the Medicare-A-Van made stops in three states to educate seniors across the nation about new benefits thanks to legislation signed into law last year by President Biden. As seniors begin to enroll in their 2024 Medicare plans, they could save thousands of dollars on their prescription drug costs, with even more savings down the road.

During each stop, local elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers discussed how the Inflation Reduction Act and its Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program will improve care and lower costs for American seniors. Protect Our Care also made headlines across the nation educating seniors on the new benefits under the Inflation Reduction Act, including free vaccines, $35 insulin caps, protections from outrageous price hikes, and lower drug costs thanks to Medicare negotiation. Over three weeks, Protect Our Care traveled to more than 10 states, over 7,000 miles, and made more than 25 stops.

Watch All Tour Stops Here

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Dr. Meena Seshamani, Director of the Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Valle del Sol Community Health Center in Central Phoenix to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Coverage:

  • KJZZ (NPR): In Phoenix yesterday, Medicare Director touted new benefits to seniors

Watch the event here.

TUSCON, ARIZONA

Dr. Meena Seshamani, Director of the Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Tucson Medical Center to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs.

Watch the event here.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Vida Lin, Asian Community Development Council President, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Las Vegas Integrative Medicine Clinic to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs. 

Watch the event here.

RENO, NEVADA

Shuyi Huang, Asian Community Development Council Family Services Manager, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Wat Buddhapradeep Temple in Sparks to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs.

Watch the event here.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

HHS Regional Director Dr. Reynoso, Region 9, joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the California State Capitol in Sacramento to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs.

Watch the event here.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Laguna Hills Community Center in Laguna Hills to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs.

Watch the event here.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Mayor Pro Tem and Carlsbad City Council Member Priya Bhat-Patel joined Protect Our Care’s “Medicare is Better Than Ever” tour and health care advocates at the Carlsbad Senior Center in Carlsbad to highlight all of the new cost-saving benefits for seniors in the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower premiums and prescription drug costs.

Watch the event here.

Additional “Medicare Autumn” Coverage

COLORADO

  • KDVR: ‘Protect Our Care’ says seniors will save on prescription drugs in 2024

NEVADA

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In News

ACA Open Enrollment Starts Strong With Record Sign-Ups for Affordable Coverage

The 2024 Open Enrollment Period Continues Through January 15

Washington, DC — Today, the Biden administration announced that 1.6 million people have signed up for health care coverage on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace during the first week of open enrollment, which represents a 50 percent increase over the same period last year. Of those who signed up week one, more than 300,000 were new customers. The 2024 open enrollment period is set to end on January 15, so families still have time to find an affordable plan. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“Millions of Americans are taking advantage of enrolling in quality coverage through the ACA at little to no cost. Week one shows just how, after three years of work by President Biden and Democrats in Congress, more Americans are able to get affordable health care than ever before. Between boosting funding for open enrollment and reversing GOP sabotage, the Biden administration has done everything in its power to get the word out about affordable coverage, with historic investments in outreach to rural Americans, people of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities.” 

“The Inflation Reduction Act extended the tax credits to lower costs for families, and now four out of five enrollees can find a plan for $10 or less. This makes a world of a difference to help more families sleep easier at night knowing they can get the medical care they need without worrying about how they’re going to make ends meet. People should continue to go to HealthCare.gov to see if they qualify for health plans with lower premium costs.”

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In News

GREED WATCH: Regeneron Announces $3.4 Billion Revenue in Quarter 3

On November 2, Regeneron announced it raked in $3.4 billion in the third quarter, a 15% increase over Q3 2022. In the third quarter, Regeneron rewarded shareholders with $507 million in stock buybacks, bringing their total buybacks for 2023 to $1.9 billion. While they make billions and reward shareholders, Americans pay exorbitantly high prices for prescription drugs. Regeneron opposes the Biden administration reforms that lower prescription drug prices. 

  • During the call, CEO Leonard S. Schleifer bragged about the company’s performance: “Regeneron performed well in the third quarter, with execution across the business continuing to drive strong top and bottom line growth. Third quarter 2023 total revenues increased 15% year-over-year to $3.4 billion.”
  • Drug companies charge Americans prices up to four times higher than prices in other countries, forcing patients to cut pills and skip doses to make ends meet. 
  • Over 80 percent of voters support giving Medicare the power to negotiate, making it the most popular provision in the Inflation Reduction Act. 

The Inflation Reduction Act brings down prescription drug costs for everyday Americans, especially seniors, by capping the price of insulin at $35 per month and providing free vaccines including shingles, giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, and limiting the amount people have to pay each year for prescription drugs to $2,000 annually starting in 2025.  

Read more:

REPORT: Why Medicare Needs the Power to Negotiate for Lower Drug Costs: The Five Drugs That Tell the Story

FACT SHEET: Big Drug Companies Are in Court to Stop Medicare Negotiation and Protect Their Sky-High Profits

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