TRUMP MAY FINALLY KILL OBAMACARE
The Affordable Care Act is facing its toughest challenge yet, and observers warn it may be in trouble.
At the center of the issue is a 2018 ruling by a district court judge. That judge decided the ACA became unconstitutional when the GOP rammed through its tax cut for wealthy that zeroed out the individual mandate tax penalty.
About two dozen Attorneys General appealed the decision. Then, in a highly unusual move, Trump’s Department of Justice withdrew from the case.
If the ruling stands, those who could be hurt include:
- 52 million people with pre-existing conditions.
- 23 million who could lose coverage.
- And all Americans who have benefited from the consumer protections in the ACA including requirements that policies cover:
- Preventive care
- Maternity care
- Lab test
- ER visits
- Prescription drugs and many others
Dasja Dolan
This week, a three-judge panel in a federal Court of Appeals, began hearing arguments. The pivotal vote on that panel is one of Trump’s judicial appointees. It appears that at least two judges, including the Trump judge, would uphold the 2018 ruling.
Such a potential disaster would be appealed to the Supreme Court.
We must let our Members of Congress hear that we want the ACA and its protections.
Allen Hallmark
**ACTION ONE: CALL OUR SENATORS**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR SENATORS WYDEN AND MERKLEY:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [town/city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling . . .
…to address two urgent issues.
- First, I ask that you finally and publicly support an impeachment inquiry. In addition to Mueller’s findings of obstruction of justice, the caging and brutalizing of children at the border are Trump’s creations and they are impeachable.
- If you cannot do this please explain why?
- Second, Trump and his GOP are also moving closer to completely dismantling Obamacare. Please offer proposals to save essential components of Obamacare, which would highlight how important the ACA is to all of your constituents. These would include:
- Pre-existing conditions coverage
- Annual and lifetime out-of-pocket limits
- Criminalize gender-based premiums
- Maintain coverage for prescription drugs, maternity care, lab test, and ER visits
SENATOR RON 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
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/
SENATOR JEFF 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
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/
**ACTION TWO: CALL COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WALDEN:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [town/city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling. . .
…to address two urgent issues.
- First, I ask that you finally and publicly support an impeachment inquiry. In addition to Mueller’s findings of obstruction of justice, the caging and brutalizing of children at the border are Trump’s creations and they are impeachable.
- If you cannot do this please explain why?
- Second, Trump, you and the GOP are moving closer to completely dismantling Obamacare. Please offer proposals to save essential components of Obamacare, which would highlight how important the ACA is to all of your constituents. These would include:
- Pre-existing conditions coverage
- Annual and lifetime out-of-pocket limits
- Criminalize gender-based premiums
- Maintain coverage for prescription drugs, maternity care, lab test, and ER visits
Thank you.”
COMPLICIT GREG WALDENDC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
https://walden.house.gov/contact-greg/email-me
**ACTION THREE: BE AN ACTIVIST**
Visit the ORD2 Indivisible Event Calendar on a regular basis to keep updated on our local activities. Participate with us as often as you can.
TOMORROW: July 12 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/non-ord2-indivisible-sponsored-event-rally-for-human-rights-close-the-camps-grants-pass/
Lights for Liberty: A Candlelight Vigil to End Human Detention Camps – Ashland
TOMORROW: July 12 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/lights-for-liberty-a-candlelight-vigil-to-end-human-detention-camps-ashland/
Letters to the Editor Writing Session – Medford
July 19 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
SUBMIT EVENTS TO BE ADDED TO THE ORD2 INDIVISIBLE EVENT CALENDAR
ORD2 Indivisible 2020 Fundraising Campaign
As we approach what will be the most important election of our lifetimes, ORD2 Indivisible wants to be in a secure financial position to help engage as many voters in our district in the election process as possible. To accomplish this goal we are conducting the ORD2 Indivisible 2020 fundraising campaign.
The next 20 people who donate $20 (or more) will receive a prize!
Please make an online donation by clicking on the 2020 image below:
To make a donation by check, please make the check payable to ORD2 Indivisible and mail to:
ORD2 Indivisible
P.O. Box 1242, Phoenix, OR 97535
SOURCES:
Vox, July 10, 2019: “The latest legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act, explained”
Washington Post, July 10, 2019: “Trump might win a Pyrrhic victory against Obamacare, as the balance of judicial power shifts his way”
Washington Post, July 10, 2019: ”The Health 202: The Obamacare lawsuit, by the numbers”
Washington Post, July 9, 2019: “Appeals judges question whether the ACA can stand without insurance penalty”