South Dakota Becomes the Seventh State to Expand Medicaid via Ballot Initiative
Washington DC — Yesterday, South Dakota residents voted to expand Medicaid to more than 40,000 people across the state. The vote comes after years of Republican leaders working to block Medicaid expansion in South Dakota — despite overwhelming research that expansion improves health outcomes, reduces disparities in health care, boosts state economies, and saves lives. Before yesterday, South Dakota was just one of 12 states that have refused Medicaid expansion. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement:
“The outcome of South Dakota’s ballot initiative is not only a victory for Democrats, who have long championed Medicaid expansion, but it is a win for the 40,000 individuals and their families who will now have access to lifesaving care. For too long, Republican leaders in South Dakota have played politics with people’s lives and left families without options for affordable health coverage. This vote is especially important for South Dakotans of color, indigenous communities, and folks living in rural areas, who face extreme barriers to accessing care and suffer worse health outcomes. Medicaid expansion will keep rural hospitals open, create jobs, and improve financial security for families. Time and again, when this issue is brought to the ballot box, voters choose to lower costs and improve care for their neighbors.”
Care Force One Traveled Across 20 States, Made Over 40 Stops and Covered More Than 12,000 Miles in Five Weeks
Over the last five weeks, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One 12,000 mile tour made over 40 stops across 20 states to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs and to let Americans know how and when they can access these new benefits. Read more about The Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here.
Protect Our Care was joined by 8 Senators, 23 Representatives, 2 Governors, 4 Attorney Generals and Lt. Governors, 25 local officials, and dozens of health care advocates. Headliners of the events included, Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT), Governor Tony Evers (D-WI), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Dina Titus, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rep. Matt Cartwright, Rep. Annie Kuster, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Alma Adams, Rep. Ruben Gallego, Rep. Tom O’Halleran, Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Susan Wild, Rep. Angie Craig, Rep. Sharice Davids, Rep. Andy Kim, Rep. Susie Lee, Rep. Lucy McBath, Rep. Chris Pappas, Rep. Dean Phillips, Rep. Sanford Bishop, Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Rep. Kathy Manning, Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Rep. Shontel Brown.
BANGOR, ME: October 3, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Attorney General Aaron Frey, Ann Woloson from Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Marie Follayttar Smith from Mainers for Accountable Leadership, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Pierce Park.
PORTSMOUTH, NH October 3, 2022 – At Prescott Park, Protect Our Care held a press conference with the U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Zandra Rice Hawkins from Granite State Progress, Nancy Glynn from MomsRising, Joan Jacobs, breast cancer patient & senior on Medicare, Health care advocate Ansley Womble, Protect Our Care NH State Director Jayme Simões, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate.
CONCORD, NH October 4, 2022 – At New Hampshire State House, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH-02), Hanan Babikir Bedri from NH Public Health Association, Gail Brown from NH Oral Health Coalition, Zandra Rice Hawkins from Granite State Progress, Lyn Lindpaintner from Kent Street, Lisa Beaudoin from ABLE NH, Nancy Glynn from MomsRising, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate.
HARTFORD, CT October 4, 2022 – At the Connecticut State House, Protect Our Care was joined by Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ayesha R. Clarke from Health Equity Solutions, Deby Gould, a Connecticut health insurance broker, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist, for a press conference.
SCRANTON, PA October 5, 2022 – Protect Our Care held a press conference with Senator Bob Casey, Representative Matt Cartwright (D-08), Robin Stelly for Pennsylvania Health Access Network, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist.
PHILADELPHIA, PA October 5, 2022 – Protect Our Care held a press conference with Councilmember Helen Gym and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist.
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ October 6, 2022 – Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-06), Laura Waddell for New Jersey Citizen Action, and New Brunswick Mayor James M. Cahill.
MARLTON, NJ October 6, 2022 – Protect Our Care held a press conference with Congressman Andy Kim (D-03), Laura Waddell for NJ Citizen Action, Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, Willingboro Senior Center Director Reva Foster, and Myra Hirschhorn.
PITTSBURGH, PA October 7, 2022 – At the Pittsburgh City County Building, Protect Our Care held a press conference with State Rep. Dan Frankel, Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist, and Erin Gabriel.
MORGANTOWN, WV October 7, 2022 – At Mylan Park, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Michael Garcia, Regional Representative for Senator Manchin, Dr. Jessica Ice for WVAHC, Delegate Barbara Fleischauer, Delegate John Williams, Delegate Danielle Walker, Delegate Evan Hansen, Laura Packard, Mindy Salango, and Lynette Maselli for Protect Our Care WV.
COLUMBUS, OH: October 10, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley, Desiree Tims, President & CEO of Innovation Ohio, Norm Wernet, the Ohio President of the Alliance for Retired Americans, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference outside of Columbus City Hall.
CLEVELAND, OH: October 10, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Steve Lieber, a Cleveland senior, former organized labor leader and retiree, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Willard Park.
FLINT, MI: October 11, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Michigan Rep. John Cherry, Linda Hamacher, Genesee County senior citizen and President Emeritus of the Genesee Health Plan, Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, interim President/CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition, and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor, for a press conference at Flint Farmers’ Market
LANSING, MI: October 11, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical, Eric Schneidewind, Delta Township resident and senior on Medicare, and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor, for a press conference at Michigan State Capitol.
MILWAUKEE, WI: October 12, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee area resident David Marstellar, a senior on Medicare, and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor, for a press conference.
GREEN BAY, WI: October 12, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Dr. Kristin Lyerly, MD/MPH, Vik V., NE Wisconsin Resident, and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor, for a press conference.
EAU CLAIRE, WI: October 13, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by State Senator Brad Pfaff, State Representative Sara Rodriguez, local educator Julia B., and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor for a press conference.
October 13, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, MNsure CEO Nate Clark, Ken McInnis, a senior who will save on prescription drug costs for a press conference at Minnesota State Capitol.
DES MOINES, IA: October 14, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Iowa Rep. Bruce Hunter, Laura Packard, Health Care Voter and Patient Advocate, Sue Dinsdale, Executive Director, Iowa Citizen Action Network, and Matt Sinovic, Executive Director, Progress Iowa, for a press conference at Iowa State Capitol.
KANSAS CITY, KS: October 14, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Sharice Davis (D-KS-03), Sharon Trapp Hendrix, KS Alliance for Retired Americans’ Donna Lehane, and Little Lobbyists’ Becki Uccello for a press conference at Rosedale Park.
RENO, NV: October 17, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Oscar Delgado, CEO of Community Health Alliance Katie Charlson, Nevada Health Link, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Community Health Alliance’s Sparks Health Center.
LAS VEGAS, NV: October 18, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Michelle Maese, President of SEIU Local 1107, Yarleny Roa-Dugan, Labor and Delivery Nurse, Steven Horner, Health Care Advocate, Erin Wicker Campbell, Health Care Advocate, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at SEIU Local 110.
FLAGSTAFF, AZ: October 18, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-NV-01), Rep. Elect Mae Peshlakai (D-NV-06), and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at North Country Community Health Center.
PHOENIX, AZ: October 19, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-07), Jevin Hodge, Carmen Heredia CEO for Valle del Sol Health Center, Dr. Karupanna, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Central Phoenix Valle del Sol Community Health Center.
TUCSON, AZ: October 19, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Former Arizona State Senator Kirsten Engel, Melissa Garcia, Chief External Affairs Officer for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, Carol Brown, healthcare advocate, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Planned Parenthood Southern Arizona Regional Health Center.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM: October 20, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Barbara Webber, Executive Director of Health Action New Mexico, Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate for a press conference at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza.
DENVER, CO: October 21, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), State Senator Julie Gonzales (D-CO), Mannat Singh, Executive Director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at The Colorado State Capitol Building.
LAKEWOOD, CO: October 21, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by State Sen. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-22), State Rep. Monica Duran (D-CO-24), Kyle Piccola, Healthier Colorado, Gail deVore, patient advocate, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Carmody Recreation Center.
GREENSBORO, NC October 24, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congresswoman Kathy Manning, State Senator Gladys Robinson, and Health Care Advocates at Center City Park in downtown Greensboro to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
October 25, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congresswoman Alma Adams, State Senator Jeff Jackson, and Health Care Advocates in Charlotte, NC to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
DULUTH, GA October 26, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux, HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson, Local Doctors and Patient Advocates in Duluth, GA to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
COLUMBUS, GA October 26, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congressman Sanford Bishop and Patient Advocates in Columbus, GA to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
ORLANDO, FL October 27, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congressman Darren Soto, State Senator Victor Torres, and Health Care Advocates in Orlando, FL to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
TAMPA, FL October 27, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Chief Val Demings, Rep. Kathy Castor, Congresswoman Joyce Marie Beatty, and Health Care Advocates in Tampa, FL to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL October 28, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by County Commissioner Jared Moskowitz, and Health Care Advocates in Ft. Lauderdale, FL to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
MADISON, WI October 31, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined bySenator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Mark Pocan, and Health Care Advocates in Madison to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
TOLEDO, OH November 1, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined byCongresswoman Kaptur and Health Care Advocates in Toledo, Ohio to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
DETROIT, MI November 1, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Senator Stabenow and Health Care Advocates in Detroit, MI to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
PHILADELPHIA, PA November 2, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined bySenator Casey and Health Care Advocates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
ALLENTOWN, PA November 2, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Rep. Susan Wild and Health Care Advocatesin Allentown, Pennsylvania to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
November 3, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined byCongresswoman Deborah Ross, State Senator Jay Chaudhuri, State Rep. Rosa Gill, and Health Care Advocates in Raleigh to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
November 4, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Rep. Lucy McBath, State Sen. Michelle Au, MD, and Health Care Advocates in Raleigh to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
Washington DC — Tomorrow, as voters head to the polls, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in a case that could have disastrous impacts for the nearly 80 million Americans who receive their health care through Medicaid. Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County v. Talevski, potentially “one of the most consequential health care cases in [the Supreme Court’s] history,” concerns whether individuals have the right to enforce provisions of the Medicaid law in court. If the Court rules against an individual’s right to sue, it would be reversing decades of precedent and put patients in danger of losing critical health care coverage. An adverse ruling in this case could also implicate the rights of beneficiaries across a broad range of state-administered public programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, child welfare, and federal public housing benefits. In response, Protect Our Care’s Policy and Health Equity Senior Advisor Anne Morris Reid issued the following statement:
“A negative ruling in this case would have devastating impacts for the tens of millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid for their health coverage – with particularly severe consequences for the pregnant women, children, people of color, people with disabilities and other low-income Americans this program serves. The defendants in this case are asking the Supreme Court to strip patients of their rights to seek targeted and rapid relief when they lose or are denied health coverage. If the case is successful, it will make it easier for Republicans to undermine and play politics with Medicaid. The Supreme Court must not overturn a half century of precedent and take away the most powerful tools beneficiaries have to hold state officials or health providers accountable.”
Background
Who is the Plaintiff? Susie Talevski is a resident of Valparaiso, Indiana, and the daughter of a man who died in a nursing home facility. Gorgi Talevski, Susie’s father, resided in a nursing home 24/7 where he was supposed to receive care for his dementia. According to the family, he was chronically overmedicated in order to keep him asleep, his dementia wasn’t properly managed, and he was transferred to multiple different facilities hours from his family without his or the family’s consent. Susie brought a lawsuit against the defendants in 2019.
Who Are the Defendants? The Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC) of Marion County, jointly run by local government officials in Indiana and a private corporation that manages nursing homes within the state, is currently being accused of violating several provisions of federal law governing nursing homes. One of these provisions allegedly violated by the HHC is a prohibition on chemically restraining patients against their will either for convenience or disciplinary purposes.
What Are the Defendants Calling For? The defendants are not arguing whether or not there was wrongdoing in Mr. Talevski’s care but instead have taken an aggressive stance in this case, calling on the Supreme Court to fundamentally change the policies dictating Medicaid enforcement nationally. Throughout the process of this lawsuit, the HHC has claimed that Susie Talevski has no right to sue and has worked to get the case dismissed. Federal courts have sided with Talevski in every single case, forcing the HHC to bring this lawsuit all the way up to the Supreme Court.
What is at Risk? The Supreme Court is now presiding over the most consequential dual civil rights and Medicaid enforcement case ever. If they side with the defendants, this would establish a precedent making Medicaid requirements practically unenforceable. The federal government has limited authorities to enforce the rights of beneficiaries, with its primary enforcement method, withholding funding from non-compliant states, more likely to hurt beneficiaries than the states themselves. Due to this, Medicaid programs rely on private suits as its primary method of beneficiary protection. Additionally, stripping away a private citizen’s right to the courts when their rights have been violated is a critical part of the Civil Rights Act of 1871 and a decision siding with the HHC would effectively see the courts rewriting over 150 years of settled legal precedent on the nature of fundamental rights guaranteed to all Americans.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Bob Casey, Rep. Susan Wild, Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, State Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, State Rep. Rosa Gill Headlined “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour Events
On the fifth week and final week of Protect Our Care’s 12,000-mile“Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” made stops in six states to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs and to let Americans know how and when they can access these new benefits. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers discussed how the bill could save families thousands of dollars a year on health care. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined bySenator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Mark Pocan, and Health Care Advocates in Madison to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
Coverage:
Wisconsin Examiner: Lawmakers and government officials highlight open enrollment, encourage people to vote
WisPolitics: Protect Our Care: Senator Baldwin & Congressman Pocan headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour stop in Madison, WI
Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined byCongresswoman Kaptur and Health Care Advocates in Toledo, Ohio to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
Coverage:
WTVG (Toledo ABC): Kaptur to join Protect Our Care bus tour (preview clip)
WTVG (Toledo ABC): Rep Kaptur to Join Protect Our Care bus in Toledo (preview clip)
WNWO (Toledo NBC): Protect Our Care tour stops in Toledo to promote the Inflation Reduction Act
Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Senator Stabenow and Health Care Advocates in Detroit, MI to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined bySenator Casey and Health Care Advocates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
Coverage:
WPVI-PHI (ABC): Protect Our Care Bus Tour in Philadelphia
Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Rep. Susan Wild and Health Care Advocatesin Allentown, Pennsylvania to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.
Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined byCongresswoman Deborah Ross, State Senator Jay Chaudhuri, State Rep. Rosa Gill, and Health Care Advocates in Raleigh to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Rep. Lucy McBath, State Sen. Michelle Au, MD, and Health Care Advocates in Raleigh to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.
Atlanta, GA — On Friday, November 4th, at 11:00 AM, Representative Lucy McBath will join HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson, and Medicare beneficiary Sara Cherry as part of Protect Our Care’s nationwide bus tour to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs for millions of working families and seniors. At today’s event, speakers will discuss how the bill gives Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, caps out of pocket costs for insulin and lowers other prescription drug prices for seniors. The event will take place in front of Care Force One at Newtown Park on Friday, November 4th at 11 AM.
The “Lower Costs, Better Care” five-week tour will thank lawmakers who fought tirelessly to pass this historic bill and call out Republicans in Congress for rejecting measures to lower costs for millions of working families and seniors and addressing deep inequities in our health care system. Lawmakers have long worked to lower health costs and rein in high drug prices — but President Biden and Democrats in Congress actually got the job done— with help on the way in just a matter of months. Read more about the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here.
WHO: Representative Lucy McBath (GA-7) Antrell Tyson, HHS Regional Director, Region 4 State Senator Dr. Michelle Au Sara Cherry, Medicare beneficiary with diabetes
WHERE: Care Force One, Newtown Park – 3150 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022
In a speech earlier this week, President Biden sounded the alarm on Republican threats to Medicare and Social Security programs. With the election on the horizon, President Biden and Democratic lawmakers fight hard to preserve and expand health care for Americans, while Republicans are plotting to cut and privatize these programs. Without these programs, many senior citizens would not be able to afford their health care. And these programs are particularly important for people of color, people with disabilities, and women. Due to higher disability rates, lower lifetime earnings, and a significant racial wealth gap, Social Security is a critical source of income for Black and Latino workers and tool in reducing economic disparities.
Today’s Republican party is showing us their real interests, and it is not in the well-being of the American people. For decades now, the GOP has made promises to defund Social Security and Medicare. President Biden and Congressional Democrats are ready to defend and expand crucial programs like Medicare and Social Security. The proposed Republican plan of cutting, privatizing and ending the Social Security system will result in ripping away essential lifelines from those who need it most.
HEADLINES
Axios: GOP Floats Medicare Changes While Ducking Details. “Some House Republicans aren’t waiting for the election to think about overhauling Medicare. But it’s hard to tell if there are specifics behind the talking point… Past GOP attempts to cut Medicare landed with a thud, and Democrats in recent weeks have been hammering on the message that Republicans are intent on gutting the program. The critical moment could be next year’s talks on the debt ceiling, if Republicans flip one or both houses of Congress.” [Axios, 11/3/22]
The New York Times: GOP Signals Plans To Shrink Social Security. Risk To The Safety Net Energizes Dems. “Congressional Republicans, eyeing a midterm election victory that could hand them control of the House and the Senate, have embraced plans to reduce federal spending on Social Security and Medicare, including cutting benefits for some retirees and raising the retirement age for both safety net programs… Yet several influential Republicans have signaled a new willingness to push for Medicare and Social Security spending cuts as part of future budget negotiations with President Biden. Their ideas include raising the age for collecting Social Security benefits to 70 from 67 and requiring many older Americans to pay higher premiums for their health coverage.” [The New York Times, 11/2/22]
The Washington Post: Republicans Plan Health-Related Probes If They Win The House. “House Republicans are plotting a flurry of probes into the Biden administration’s pandemic response and the health industry if the party retakes control of the chamber next week. Key party leaders have already drummed up lists of their oversight priorities amid growing confidence they’ll win control of the House in the midterm elections. This includes investigating the origins of covid-19, cracking down on prescription drug middlemen, examining how pandemic relief dollars have been spent and scrutinizing key federal agencies.” [The Washington Post, 11/3/22]
CNBC: As Election Day Approaches, Democrats Warn That Social Security And Medicare Are At Stake. “At the event, Biden touted the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which will curb Medicare prescription drug costs for seniors. The legislation gives Medicare the ability to negotiate prices for certain high-price drugs, caps insulin at $35 per month under Medicare Part D and limits out-of-pocket prescription costs under Part D to $2,000 per month, among other changes. But Republican opposition could lead the party to stop those changes if they win control on Election Day, Biden warned.” [CNBC, 11/3/22]
The Hill: Why The Fate Of Medicare And Social Security Is A Midterm Issue. “The fate of Social Security and Medicare is back in the spotlight less than two weeks before the midterms. The White House and Democrats have made both entitlements central to their closing pitch to voters, sounding the alarm that a Republican majority in the House would look to cut programs that millions of Americans rely on in a bid to reduce spending… Biden vowed Tuesday to refuse any effort to cut entitlements in the next Congress during an address to the Democratic National Committee, highlighted past GOP comments on the programs during a Thursday appearance in Syracuse, and he tweeted Friday that Republicans “are so determined to cut these programs they’re willing to take down the American economy over it.”” [The Hill, 10/31/22]
Los Angeles Times: Column: GOP Promises To Gut Your Social Security, Medicare If It Takes Power. “In its latest manifestation, four Republicans angling to become chair of the House Budget Committee in a Republican House talked openly about holding the federal debt ceiling hostage to an agreement on “entitlements” — that is, Social Security and Medicare — plainly aimed at cutting benefits… This isn’t the first time that the GOP has tried to depict Social Security and Medicare as enemies of sound fiscal policy. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell spelled it out in 2018. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) talked openly about making cuts “behind closed doors.” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) cooked up a plan for family leave funded by raiding future Social Security benefits.” [Los Angeles Times, 10/19/22]
SOCIAL MEDIA
President Biden. “Let’s be clear about what “changes” Republicans in Congress want to make to Medicare and Social Security. They want to raise the retirement age, move towards privatization, and put these programs on the chopping block every five years.” [11/3/22]
The White House. “President Biden and Congressional Democrats: Took on Big Pharma allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug costs, Capped seniors’ pharmacy drug costs and the cost of insulin, Kept health insurance premiums low for people who get coverage through the Affordable Care Act.” [11/2/22]
U.S. House of Representatives Ways & Means Committee. “This is not a new fight. Democrats created #SocialSecurity 87 years ago and Republicans have tried to slash it ever since. Republicans continue to put Americans second and their special interests first.” [11/2/22]
U.S. House of Representatives Ways & Means Committee. “When Republicans launch a vicious attack on Social Security and Medicare that would have harsh, long lasting consequences on retirees, seniors, and workers” [11/2/22]
U.S. House of Representatives Ways & Means Committee. “Dems have been working to expand Americans’ ability to access health care services under #Medicare, by: Increasing training for physicians, making it easier for beneficiaries to enroll, improving access to mental health & substance use services. That’s what Democrats do.” [11/2/22]
U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee and Ways & Means Committee. “Republicans aren’t even trying to hide their extreme plan to gut Social Security and Medicare anymore. They’re plotting to tank our economy by forcing cuts to Americans’ hard-earned benefits. They’re saying it out loud — and will do it.” [10/28/22]
***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2022 at 2 PM***
Care Force One Rolls into Raleigh on November 3rd as Part of Nationwide “Lower Costs, Better Care” Tour
Raleigh, NC — On Thursday, November 3rd at 2:00PM, Congresswoman Deborah Ross will join health care advocates and local residents as part of Protect Our Care’s nationwide bus tour to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs for millions of working families and seniors. At Thursday’s event, speakers will discuss how the new law will put money back into the pockets of North Carolina families and seniors by lowering prescription drug prices, expanding access to care, and boosting Medicare benefits. Speakers will also discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act will lead to big savings for North Carolinians during the Open Enrollment period that began this week. The event will take place in front of Care Force One at Moore Square on Martin Street on Thursday, November 3rd at 2:00 PM.
The “Lower Costs, Better Care” five-week tour will thank lawmakers who fought tirelessly to pass this historic bill and call out Republicans in Congress for rejecting measures to lower costs for millions of working families and seniors and addressing deep inequities in our health care system. Lawmakers have long worked to lower health costs and rein in high drug prices — but President Biden and Democrats in Congress actually got the job done— with help on the way in just a matter of months. Read more about the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here.
WHO: Congresswoman Deborah Ross State Senator Jay Chaudhuri State Representative Rosa Gill Laura Packard, Executive Director of Health Care Voter Matt Leatherman, health care advocate
WHERE: Care Force One, Moore Square, E Martin St., Raleigh, NC
Today, on week fiveof Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA-07) will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for events in Philadelphia and Allentown, Pennsylvania, celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs. During the events, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity.
The “Lower Costs, Better Care” five-week tour will thank lawmakers who fought tirelessly to pass this historic bill and call out Republicans in Congress for rejecting measures to lower costs for millions of working families and seniors and addressing deep inequities in our health care system. Lawmakers have long worked to lower health costs and rein in high drug prices — but President Biden and Democrats in Congress actually got the job done— with help on the way in just a matter of months. Read more about the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
WHO: Senator Bob Casey Antoinette Kraus, Pennsylvania Health Access Network Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate Steven Lubin, health care storyteller Michael Berman, Protect Our Care
WHERE: Care Force One, the outside courtyard at Am. Friends Service Cmte Bldg (Race St Entrance)
WHEN: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 11:30 AM ET
ALLENTOWN, PA
WHO: Representative Susan Wild Robin Stelly, Pennsylvania Health Access Network Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate Michael Berman, Protect Our Care
WHERE: Care Force One, Cedar Creek Parkway – Rose Garden #1 Pavilion, 101 N. Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104
Today, on week fiveof Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) will join health care advocates and Protect Our Care for events in Toledo, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan, celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs. During the events, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums for 13 million Americans, reins in prescription drug prices, and takes important steps to improve health equity.
The “Lower Costs, Better Care” five-week tour will thank lawmakers who fought tirelessly to pass this historic bill and call out Republicans in Congress for rejecting measures to lower costs for millions of working families and seniors and addressing deep inequities in our health care system. Lawmakers have long worked to lower health costs and rein in high drug prices — but President Biden and Democrats in Congress actually got the job done— with help on the way in just a matter of months. Read more about the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here.
TOLEDO, OH
WHO: U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) Marcy Gregory, retired president of CWA Local 4319 Twyla Wheaton, retired teacher Laura Packard, health care advocate and stage 4 cancer survivor
WHERE: Care Force One, UAW Local 12, 2300 Ashland Ave, Toledo, OH 43620
WHEN: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 11 AM ET
DETROIT, MI
WHO: U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow Sean de Four, president and CEO of Southwest Solutions, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Detroit Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor
WHERE: Care Force One, Southwest Solutions Waterman Adult Outpatient Center, 1700 Waterman St., Detroit, MI
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Millions will Find Plans at Little to No Cost During this Open Enrollment Period Starting Today
Washington DC — Open Enrollment for 2023 Affordable Care Act coverage begins today, giving Americans the opportunity to purchase quality and affordable health care through the ACA marketplaces. Last year, a record-breaking 14.5 million people signed up for coverage through the ACA marketplaces. With the enhanced subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Biden administration’s historic investment in the Navigator program, more people will have access to affordable health insurance than ever before. Additionally, these initiatives increase the number of people of color who are now covered by health insurance, which is imperative to reducing racial disparities across the nation. Just one week before Election Day, the benefits of the Democratic passed Inflation Reduction Act will be front and center just as Americans begin casting their midterm ballots. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:
“Starting today, thanks to President Biden and Democrats in Congress, millions of Americans will save money on their health insurance premiums and have the opportunity to purchase quality and affordable health care through the ACA marketplaces at little to no cost.Working families across the country will save hundreds of dollars a month, dramatically increasing the number of insured Americans and giving them more room to pay for other necessities like food, gas, and rent. These actions ensure access to quality, affordable, and equitable care for years to come, and will be front and center just as Americans begin casting their midterm ballots.”
In 2021, 14.5 million people signed up for coverage through an ACA marketplace, the highest number of Americans to ever enroll during open enrollment
13 million Americans, or 89 percent of people with an ACA plan,will save an average of $800 per year and $2,400 per family on health insurance premiums
How Americans Save Money On Health Insurance in 2023:
Caps on the Amount of Money Families Pay for Health Insurance. The Inflation Reduction Act ensures families pay no more than 8.5 percent of their income towards coverage. This helps middle and working-class families, as well as older Americans, who have traditionally faced excessive premiums or live in high-premium areas. Before the American Rescue Plan, middle-class families spent an average of 15 percent of their incomes on health insurance. The subsidies are designed to benefit those who need it most, which means the higher your income, the smaller your tax credits become. A family whose health insurance premiums alone — not including deductibles — are less than 8.5 percent of their income receives no tax credits at all.
Addressing Health Care Equity By Expanding Coverage for Communities of Color. The Center on Budget Policy and Priorities estimates the increased savings continued under the Inflation Reduction Act will cause a sharp decline in the uninsured rate across every racial group, with one in three uninsured Black adults expected to gain coverage. Prior to the American Rescue Plan, more than 11 million uninsured adults were eligible for premium tax credits, with people of color making up roughly half of the group. The premium savings continued in the Inflation Reduction Act have made more than 65 percent of uninsured Black adults eligible for zero dollar premium plans and 75 percent eligible for plans less than $50 a month. For uninsured Hispanic and Latino adults, now more than 68 percent are eligible for zero dollar premium plans and nearly 80 percent can access plans for less than $50 a month. Health coverage is imperative to reducing racial disparities across the nation.
Eliminating Premiums For Low-Wage Workers. The Inflation Reduction Act ensures no American with an income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level buying their coverage on the Marketplace pays a premium.
Cutting Costs For Rural America. Thanks to the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, 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, narrowing the coverage differences between rural and urban America.
No More Family Glitch. A new rule to fix the “family glitch,” where families were blocked from receiving premium subsidies if someone in their household had access to affordable health care through employment, even if the whole family wasn’t covered by that insurance, was recently implemented by the Biden Administration. The new rule will more realistically determine what is considered affordable for families, allowing an additional 1 million people to be eligible for affordable health care on the marketplace and receive premium subsidies.
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