THREAD: Over the past 10 years, the #AffordableCareAct has helped millions of working families, seniors and people with disabilities. Yet the Trump Admin is trying to sabotage the #ACA – in the middle of a pandemic. Here’s what’s at stake if Republicans refuse to #DropTheLawsuit:
More than 20 million Americans gained health care coverage under the ACA, both private insurance and through Medicaid expansion. This cut the uninsured rate nearly in half. The last thing we should be doing amid a public health crisis is ripping away health care coverage. /2
The ACA implemented protections for over 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions – one of the groups most likely to develop severe complications from #COVID19. Health insurers could otherwise discriminate against or refuse coverage for these Americans. /3
12 million Americans finally gained health care coverage thanks to the ACA’s Medicaid expansion. If Republicans decimate Medicaid, children, low-income adults and rural communities will be hit the hardest. /4
Eliminating the donut hole in Medicare Part D lowered prescription drug costs for 12 million seniors – another high-risk group for developing severe #COVID19 complications. Suddenly losing the ability to afford these often life-saving medications would only increase their risk /5
2.3 million adult children have been able to stay on their parents’ health care plan up to age 26. With many young people also suffering complications from the coronavirus, now is not the time for Republicans to take away their insurance. /6
The ACA implemented limits on annual and lifetime out-of-pocket costs. If someone contracted the coronavirus and required treatment, multiple doctor’s visits or even hospitalization, they could be stuck with staggering out-of-pocket costs if Republicans have their way. /7
The #ACA saves lives. Yet just last night, President Trump reaffirmed that his Administration will go forward with his lawsuit, saying with blatant disregard to our current health care crisis: "what we want to do is terminate it" /8
While the coronavirus risks American lives, President Trump’s efforts to sabotage affordable health care are making it HARDER for Americans to receive the preventative services and treatment they need. /9
The American people should never have to worry that their President will sabotage their health care, especially in the middle of a global pandemic. The President should #DropTheLawsuit, file a brief with SCOTUS supporting the ACA and establish a special enrollment period. /10
The last 10 years has shown the #ACAworks and we should build on its progress. I will always fight efforts by the Trump Administration & Congressional Republicans to destroy the law that has given millions of hard-working families the comprehensive, affordable care they need. /11
