September 28, 2017 The Call – #ACA #ProtectOurCare #CHIP Following the spectacular failure of Graham-Cassidy, the Trump administration is actively working to sabotage the ACA exchanges by withholding needed “CSR” subsidies and thwarting enrollment efforts, causing skyrocketing premiums, faltering exchanges and counties with no insurer. A bipartisan effort, led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), which would provide funding to stabilize the exchanges and would require outreach efforts to increase enrollment, is close to agreement. In order support the bill, Republicans are demanding “flexibility” for states. Some flexibility options will be necessary to get the bill passed, but Democrats must hold firm to ensure that the key “guardrails” that protect affordability for those with pre-existing conditions and prevent annual or lifetime caps on coverage remain. The GOP attempt to pass Graham-Cassidy also pre-empted renewal of funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a program that ensures almost all children get insurance and has wide bipartisan support. Funding expires on Oct 1 and many states will use up their existing funds by the end of the year if the program is not reauthorized. Your Action Call your three Members of Congress and tell them to support a bipartisan ACA stabilization bill that stabilizes that encourages enrollment, prevents caps and keeps guardrails protecting people with pre-existing conditions. Also tell Congress to promptly reauthorize funding for CHIP to protect children’s healthcare. Talking Points
This is [NAME] and I’m a constituent in [ZIP].
Sabotage of the ACA exchanges is unacceptable. We need a bipartisan solution to stabilize the ACA exchanges and promote enrollment.
A bipartisan solution must have guardrails that make coverage affordable for people with pre-existing conditions and prevent annual or lifetime caps.
I urge [Sen/Rep____] to support legislation to stabilize the exchanges, promote ACA enrollment and maintain the guardrails that protect the American people.
I urge [Sen/Rep____] to support immediate reauthorization of funding for CHIP, so sick children can continue to get the care they need.