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SAVE THE ACA AND PASS THE MURRAY ALEXANDER BILL
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#ProtectOurCare
#SaveACA
#FundCSR
Sabotage and destabilization of the ACA continues. President Trump refuses to make Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) payments, and Republicans refuse to vote on a bipartisan bill to fund CSR payments and stabilize the ACA.
CSR are not “bailouts;” they just help low income patients cover co-pays and deductibles. Without these payments, premiums will rise, people will lose their insurance, and the deficit will grow.
Senators Murray (D-Washington) and Alexander (R-Tennessee) have drafted a bill that:
—pays for CRS payments thru 2019
–funds ACA enrollment outreach
–provides flexibility with state waivers
–allows for catastrophic plans that satisfy ACA requirements.
The Murray-Alexander bill has 12 Senate Republican co-sponsors who, when added to 48 Democrats, comprise a filibuster-proof majority. Nevertheless, McConnell has no plans to bring it to a vote, and Ryan remains commitment to repealing the ACA.
Unless they change their minds, when government funding ends in December, Democrats have to attach CSR payments to the must-pass funding bill needed to avoid a government shutdown.
American need affordable, accessible healthcare.
The Murray-Alexander bill is a step in the right direction.
Congress must vote to pass this bill!
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**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH OUR SENATORS and CONGRESSMAN WALDEN**
SAMPLE SCRIPT – for our Senators
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code]. I am very worried about the ACA again. President Trump has cancelled Cost Sharing Reduction payments and Republicans refuse to vote on the Murray-Alexander bill which would fund these payments and stabilize the ACA. Please co-sponsor this legislation and push for its quick passage. And, if it has not yet passed when government funding runs out in December, promise you will vote against the continuing resolution unless it funds Cost Sharing Reduction payments. Thank you.”
SAMPLE SCRIPT – for Walden
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code] I am very worried about the ACA again. President Trump has cancelled Cost Sharing Reduction payments, which has further destabilized the ACA. The American people have made it clear they want affordable and accessible healthcare. Please listen to us—put country before party—and push for passage of the Murray-Alexander bill. Thank you.”
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**ACTION 2: CHECK YOUR INSURANCE ENROLLMENT STATUS**
Do you or your friends wonder if health insurance is too expensive? Many can find a plan for $50-100 a month. Check out www.healthcare.gov for more information.
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SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
WHERE’S CONGRESSMAN WALDEN
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
