Advocacy Request from the Cancer Policy Institute

Just when we started to hope that the debate over the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was at an end, a new repeal plan has been introduced. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a bill which would: Allot $1.2 trillion to provide states with block grants Repeal and replace ACA tax credits, Medicaid expansion, and cost-sharing payments Dramatically cut federal funding for Medicaid expansion and financial assistance programs for individuals within the marketplace, ending the funding entirely by 2026 Allow states to weaken their coverage requirements, meaning that insurers can return to offering plans that do not cover many essential health benefits like emergency services, treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders, and even coverage of prescription drugs. Repeal the individual and employer insurance mandates, as well as the medical device tax, all created under the Affordable Care Act The bill has to be passed by September 30th because the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the process of reconciliation, which is used to fast track legislation with fewer necessary votes, will expire. Senator Cassidy has stated that 49 Republican Senators are on board, out of the necessary 50, meaning that there is a serious risk that this bill could pass the Senate. Given the time crunch, the bill will come up for a vote without adequate time for hearings, comments from experts or patient groups, or amendments. Reach out to your Senator NOW to remind them to reject this irresponsible attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a bill that slashes coverage, raises costs, and eliminates protections for all Americans.   Call Now!   Write a Letter  Sincerely, Elizabeth Franklin ​Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy ​Cancer Support Community