Unified Action – August 2019
Stand up to Protect the Affordable Care Act
Sponsored by Protect the Promise, www.protectthepromise.org
The Issue
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been a lifeline for millions of Americans while lowering costs and improving quality of care. It has strengthened Medicare and Medicaid by expanding access while also containing costs and reducing waste, fraud, and abuse of public programs.
Despite the vast benefits it provides for millions of Americans, the ACA has become political fodder for its opponents. President Trump and his administration have consistently sought to undermine and repeal the ACA. Overturning the law would disrupt coverage for 15 million people, including 90,000 New Mexicans, who receive health insurance through an ACA exchange and 15 million more who were covered by the expansion of Medicaid. Medicare recipients would face steep increases in drug prices, disrupted access to free birth control, mammograms, and cholesterol tests, and children would potentially be prohibited from staying on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. Repealing the ACA would also eliminate critically important federal protections for many Americans living with pre-existing conditions.
What we are asking
Send a letter to Sen. Martin Heinrich asking him to continue supporting the ACA.
Sen. Martin Heinrich – www.heinrich.senate.gov/contact
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Senator Heinrich,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Protect the Promise Campaign and the Progressive Voter Alliance (Doña Ana County) regarding the alarming developments surrounding the future of the Affordable Care Act. We are an inclusive coalition of voters who actively support issues that promote social and economic justice, political equality, and environmental stewardship. We believe that President Trump’s constant attacks on the ACA will have dangerous and long-lasting consequences for New Mexico.
The ACA acts as a lifeline for millions of Americans as it lowers medical costs and improves the quality of care they receive. It has strengthened Medicare and Medicaid by expanding access while curbing costs and reducing wasteful spending. Since its enactment, it alone has reduced the number of uninsured Americans by nearly 17%.
If President Trump succeeds in repealing the ACA, he would disrupt coverage for 15 million people, including 90,000 New Mexicans, who receive health insurance through an ACA exchange and 15 million more who have been covered by Medicaid’s expansion through the Act. Americans would see steep increases in drug prices and disrupted access to free birth control, mammograms, and other vital services.
With so many Americans relying on the ACA, this issue is one of life and death. Its affordability, its benefits and its accessibility help so many Americans who would not otherwise be able to afford health insurance. Repealing the law would leave millions of Americans in danger and at risk. President Trump’s vicious attacks on the ACA must be stopped. As our representative, we urge you to stand up for your constituents and protect the Affordable Care Act.
Sincerely,