Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has promised a vote next week to repeal the Affordable Care Act, if he can garner the votes needed to pass his caucus’ latest proposal. Legislation introduced just last Thursday by Senators William Cassidy (R-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) represents Republicans’ last chance at repeal under the fast-track reconciliation rules.
The latest proposal would wipe out subsidies for the purchase of private health coverage, end Medicaid expansion, erode critical consumer protections for pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits, and convert Medicaid to a per-capita block grant financing system. The bill would target states that have expanded Medicaid and significantly cut their funding.
The cut in funds for insuring low-income single adults through Medicaid will significantly increase to number of uninsured among the country’s most vulnerable citizens. While Leader McConnel will seek to advance the Cassidy- Graham bill without a score from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), independent experts have already projected that the bill would leave more than 32 million Americans without coverage. That would be a tragic consequence.
This is the home stretch. We need your voice now more than ever! As your Senators debate health care repeal/replace, NASW urges you to ACT NOW by emailing or calling their offices. We must stand up to preserve access to health care services for millions of Americans.
Sample Email
As a constituent, social worker, and member of the National Association of Social Workers I urge you to VOTE NO on the Graham-Cassidy bill, which seeks to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
As a health care professional, I am particularly concerned about the effect this bill will have on mental health services and low-income individuals. The bill undermines critical consumer protections and its Medicaid cuts would leave millions without coverage. I ask for your commitment to a bipartisan approach to improving Medicaid and the ACA marketplace.
I strongly urge you to oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill. VOTE NO.
