Graham-Cassidy is Still A Threat
Senate Holds Single Hearing on Bill
to Strip Health Coverage from Millions
Action Still Needed!
Today the Senate Finance Committee is holding the only Senate "hearing" on the Graham-Cassidy bill. The bill would, among other things, cause tens of millions of people to become uninsured, eliminate the ACA’s expansion of Medicaid, decimate the broader Medicaid program, and harm Medicare. It would also allow states to gut consumer protections, including for people with pre-existing conditions.
Rushing to meet a self-imposed September 30 deadline, without a complete analysis of the bill’s impact by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and introducing last minute changes in attempts to convince reluctant senators, this single hearing makes a mockery of so-called "regular order" in the Senate. Yet for all these shortcomings, the bill still has life. That needs to end now.
It is difficult to find much support for this latest effort to gut the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid. Instead, opposition has been overwhelming. As Senator Wyden stated in his opening remarks to the hearing, "The American people do not want this bill." See, for example:
- Joint letter from American’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), American Medical Association (AMA), American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals, American Academy of Family Physicians, BlueCross BlueShield Association;
- Letter from the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD);
- Letter from 36 current and former state insurance commissioners;
- Letter from 3,000 + Faith leaders;
- Letter from 10 Governors, including Republicans and Democrats; and
- Letter from 50 members of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), a coalition of national non-profit organizations serving older Americans.
In fact, in a recent article, the Washington Post "was unable to identify any medical associations that support the measure" – but provided a lengthy list of organizations in opposition. Why? Because this bill "reflects neither care nor compassion," as Senator Hirono – herself recently diagnosed with cancer – noted in her testimony at the hearing.
The Graham-Cassidy bill is just as bad as all of the previous repeal efforts, if not worse.
As Sen. Wyden stated, "no one has to buy a lemon just because it’s the last car on the lot. This bill is a lemon."
It’s time to make your voice heard, again! Previous efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and wreck Medicaid were defeated because of your loud, public protests.
Do it again, now.
Don't let the Senate gut health care!
Contact your Senators and tell them to protect your care.
Call your Senators: (202) 224-3121
Thank you for helping #ProtectOurCare!