[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s the nightmare that will never end…
Yes, our healthcare system needs to be fixed — there are problems with the ACA and other aspects of the way we structure insurance and pay for our healthcare. But does that mean we should rush towards solutions that could potentially undermine the whole system and make it worse?
Read below to find out about the attacks on healthcare happening nationally and here in our own state. Then make sure to take action![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Graham-Cassidy” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]You may have heard that Congressional Republicans failed in their attempt to repeal Obamacare earlier this year. And yet you may have also heard that within the next week, Congressional Republicans are scrambling to take another shot at repeal before their time runs out due to some technical Senate rules.
Here’s what you need to know about what the “Graham-Cassidy Bill” would do:
- Replace the ACA’s marketplace subsidies and Medicaid expansion enhanced match with inadequate block grants (“lump-sums”) to states. This funding would be well below current funding, is not guaranteed to continue, and leaves states to spend it however they want, potentially resulting in less coverage for low- and moderate- income people.
- Change Medicaid funding to a per-capita cap, resulting in less money going to those who rely on this important program: seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.
- Allow states to waive or weaken protections for pre-existing conditions and other essential health benefits guaranteed under the ACA.
- Eliminate the individual mandate, resulting in further destabilization of the insurance market.
- Likely result in more loss of coverage than previous repeal efforts.
Don’t want our Senators to vote for something that will radically change our healthcare system, which is about a fifth of our nation’s economy? Here’s how you can take action:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_cta h2=”Call Senators Hatch and Lee!” h2_font_container=”color:%23ffffff” h2_use_theme_fonts=”yes” h4=”Tell them to oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill! ” h4_font_container=”color:%23ffffff” h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”CLICH HERE TO CALL!” btn_color=”juicy-pink” add_icon=”top” i_type=”entypo” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-phone” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded-outline” i_background_color=”black” i_size=”lg” i_on_border=”true” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fact.betterutah.org%2Fcall%2Ftell-our-senators-to-protect-healthcare%2F||target:%20_blank” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” use_custom_fonts_h4=”true”][/vc_cta][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_cta h2=”Email Senators Hatch and Lee!” h2_font_container=”color:%23ffffff” h2_use_theme_fonts=”yes” h4=”Tell them to oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill! ” h4_font_container=”color:%23ffffff” h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”CLICH HERE TO EMAIL!” btn_color=”juicy-pink” add_icon=”top” i_type=”entypo” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-mail” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded-outline” i_background_color=”black” i_size=”lg” i_on_border=”true” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fact.betterutah.org%2Fletter%2Fcontact_us_senator_ABU%2F||target:%20_blank” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” use_custom_fonts_h4=”true”][/vc_cta][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_cta h2=”Rally to Stop Graham-Cassidy!” h2_font_container=”color:%23ffffff” h2_use_theme_fonts=”yes” h4=”Bring your signs and come add your voice in opposition!” h4_font_container=”color:%23ffffff” h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”CLICH HERE TO RSVP!” btn_color=”juicy-pink” add_icon=”top” i_type=”entypo” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-megaphone” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded-outline” i_background_color=”black” i_size=”lg” i_on_border=”true” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fevents%2F1412431318877423%2F||target:%20_blank” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” use_custom_fonts_h4=”true”][/vc_cta][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Utah’s Medicaid Waiver” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]As if the continuous barrage of attacks on the ACA from Congress weren’t enough, now the Utah Department of Health is trying to put restrictions and barriers on Medicaid and PCN here in Utah. These changes would make it harder for vulnerable people to obtain and maintain coverage and many would lose their coverage. Watch this video from a recent panel for more information:
Or, if you just want a quick rundown, here is what the State of Utah is trying to change with this waiver:
- Lifetime Limits: The waiver would put a 60-month limit on most PCN and Medicaid benefits, even if they are caring for a child, working a low-wage job, or have a chronic condition.
- Work Requirement: An individual would have to be actively working or looking for a job for 30 hours per week for at least 3/12 months or they would lose coverage. Studies have shown that work requirements do not work and could result in children losing coverage if their parents lose theirs.
- Higher-Copays for Non-Emergency Use of ER: This may make sense — why would you go to the emergency room if it isn’t an emergency? But instead of being common-sense, this just penalizes people for having to guess whether their symptoms are dangerous, increasing costs for those who need care.
- Reduced Youth Benefits: This would reverse Utah’s decision to expand comprehensive benefits for those between 19-20 years old, taking away vision and dental for at-risk young adults.
Are you like us, wondering why our state would be trying to do such a thing? Here’s how you can take action:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_cta h2=”Submit a Comment! ” h2_font_container=”color:%23ffffff” h2_use_theme_fonts=”yes” h4=”Submit a comment to the federal government about why you oppose this waiver! ” h4_font_container=”color:%23ffffff” h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”SUBMIT COMMENTS HERE!” btn_color=”juicy-pink” add_icon=”top” i_type=”entypo” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-pencil” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded-outline” i_background_color=”black” i_size=”lg” i_on_border=”true” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2FJTWLGTY||target:%20_blank” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” use_custom_fonts_h4=”true”][/vc_cta][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
