Yesterday, Congress posted their newest version of their tax reform bill. In addition to the things in the bill that already hurt people with disabilities, we saw ACA repeal come back from the dead. They’re doing this by trying to repeal the individual mandate, which is what makes insurance under the ACA affordable for most people.
If this bill passes:
- 13 million people will lose insurance.
- Insurance premiums will go up by 10%
- It will raise the deficit, which will then be used to justify cuts to Medicaid and other vital services
This bill is set to provide tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans at the expense of our health care and home and community based services. For many of us, losing insurance and cuts to Medicaid mean institutionalization or death. This is unacceptable. Once again, it is time to fight back.
Your Members of Congress will be coming home for the holidays soon.
Here’s how to let them know what you think:
- Go to your local offices and tell your elected officials what you think. To find your local office, use contactingcongress.org. You can contact these offices to set up a constituent meeting – this is one of the most effective ways to get your point across to an elected official. Check out our toolkit for more information about what to expect.
- Talk to your elected officials at town halls and public appearances. Your senators’ websites will have more info about when they’ll be making appearances, and you can also check Townhallproject.com
- Attend a local rally. Lots of local organizations will be having events about tax reform and saving the ACA. They need a disability presence.
- Call your elected officials and tell them to vote NO. You can find their information at contactingcongress.org.
Here is a script to use for emails and calls:
I’m calling to ask the Senator to vote NO on the tax bill and repealing the Affordable Care Act. This bill would take health insurance away from 13 million Americans, and leave the door open to cut Medicaid. Disabled people in our state would lose access to lifesaving health care and be forced into institutions – all to fund a massive tax break for the wealthiest Americans. People with disabilities like [me/ my family member/ my friends] are not disposable, and our health care is not your trust fund. Please vote AGAINST any tax bills that repeal the individual mandate or otherwise damage the Affordable Care Act. We’re counting on you to do the right thing.
We’ve fought this battle three times before. We understand what is at stake, and we are not going to stand down. Help us win this one more time, and tell Congress: #HandsOff our health care!