Fresh off the presses is the new Republican plan to replace the ACA -- Trumpcare. And there's a good reason the negotiations were conducted in secret.
It's terrible.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that Trumpcare would rip coverage away from 24 million Americans.
Tell Republicans: No Trumpcare. Add your name.
Trumpcare is bad for so many people.
It's bad for seniors: This plan implements an Age Tax, allowing insurance companies to charge up to five times more in their premiums than younger Americans. Prescription drug costs could go up. Some seniors could see their premiums increase by more than $4,000 a year. It also dismantles Medicaid -- a program that pays for one in two nursing home residents in Minnesota.
It's bad for women: The bill defunds Planned Parenthood. It allows insurance companies to charge women more for care. And it decimates Medicaid, where three-quarters of all public dollars for family planning come from.
It's bad for middle class families and low-income people: This bill stops the current premium subsidies and provides woefully inadequate replacement. It also dismantles Medicaid expansion efforts which covers hundreds of thousands in Minnesota alone.
It's bad for people with preexisting conditions: The Republican replacement plan makes it harder for people with pre-existing conditions to find affordable coverage.
It's bad for people in rural communities: This bill will starve many of our rural hospitals and nursing homes of critical funding. It could cut thousands of jobs and lead to the closure of rural hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities.
Oh, I'm sorry. There is one group of people who this plan is good for: Health insurance CEOs, drug companies, and the wealthy. They're getting some pretty nice handouts.
Congressional Republicans should shove this plan back into whatever drawer it came from. They really need to talk to some constituents, some patients' rights groups, maybe a few people from our side of the aisle, and try again. Tell Republicans: No, no, no on Trumpcare. Add your name >>
Thanks.
Al
