The American Association of Retired People (AARP) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association have joined numerous other organizations in blasting the dangerous and reactionary Graham- Cassidy Obamacare repeal bill. In a statement published last night, AARP said,
"The Graham-Cassidy (GC) bill, as proposed on September 13, 2017, threatens to make health care unaffordable and inaccessible for millions of older Americans. The bill eliminates two sources of financial assistance – premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions – critical to ensuring that low- to moderate-income older adults are able to afford the coverage they need. For a 60-year-old earning $25,000 a year, premiums and out-of-pocket costs could increase by as much as $16,174 a year if they wanted to keep their current coverage. The bill may also allow states to charge older adults age 50-64 significantly higher premiums than under current law on the basis of their age by waiving federal protections that limit the practice known as age rating." (emphasis added)Blue Cross Blue Shield similarly declared its opposition to the repeal bill, saying in a statement,
"...we share the significant concerns of many health care organizations about the proposed Graham-Cassidy bill. The bill contains provisions that would allow states to waive key consumer protections, as well as undermine safeguards for those with pre-existing medical conditions. The legislation reduces funding for many states significantly and would increase uncertainty in the marketplace, making coverage more expensive and jeopardizing Americans’ choice of health plans. Legislation must also ensure adequate funding for Medicaid to protect the most vulnerable."These major organizations join the likes of the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, America's Health Insurance Plans, and 16 patient and provider groups (e.g., the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes, and the Arthritis Foundation).
Our voices, along with theirs, must be heard at this critical moment on this social Darwinist, cruel bill being pushed by Rethuglican mega-donors...or else. Here is the Senate phone directory to call to urge the defeat of the bill. Time is of the essence.
BONUS: It looks like Jimmy Kimmel knows more about the dangerous bill than Rethuglicans, according to the vast majority of independent analysts.
