As you know, a new plan has been introduced to quickly force through a repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This week, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a bill which would directly harm patients, survivors, and families who have been impacted by cancer. The bill 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
According to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, every state in the nation will see funding cuts as a result of this legislation, totaling nearly $300 billion by 2027. States that expanded their Medicaid program could see an 11% reduction in federal funds, compared to a 12% increase seen in states that did not. Without time for a full analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, nor hearings or amendments, this bill cannot be allowed to pass.
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 next weekwithout adequate time for hearings, comments from experts or patient groups, or amendments.
It is more important than ever that we work together to make our concerns heard. Time is running out-- 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.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Franklin
Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy
Cancer Support Community
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