Hundreds of protesters gathered in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday in response to Vice President Mike Pence’s visit. Pence delivered a speech to small business owners at the Trane Parts and Distribution Center. He touted the GOP’s American Health Care Act – their new plan to replace and repeal the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare).
Louisville Indivisible organized the protest which garnered support from various organizations including Save My Care Bus, Black Lives Matter, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Stand Up Sunday, Jobs With Justice, and the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression.
It is projected that Trumpcare would end healthcare coverage for at least 15 million people over the next 10 years. That number includes the public exchange, those receiving coverage provided by employers, and almost half of that number are those now covered under Medicaid.
Currently, under the Affordable Care Act, people receiving Medicaid get subsidies to pay for their healthcare premiums.
Under the Trump plan, people would get tax credits instead to help cover the premiums. Poor people especially cannot afford to pay high insurance premiums up front. With the tax credit stipulation, many low-income and middle class Americans could not access coverage at all. Regardless of what Republicans argue, this plan will largely drive up costs for those who need healthcare the most.
The new healthcare bill is also receiving backlash from many medical groups including the American Medical Association, which is the largest group of doctors in the country.Other groups include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the AARP, American Hospital Association, Families USA, and the American College of Physicians (CNN).
Those providing healthcare to others on a daily basis likely know the needs of the American people better than rich politicians.
Nevertheless, the Trump administration has not shown any concern or understanding for how the passing of this bill would likely destroy many people’s current coverage and their health. Kentucky governor Matt Bevin referred to the present Affordable Care Act as “a disaster.”
As Pence spoke Saturday, he said “The Obamacare nightmare is about to end.” But the real nightmare is only about to begin. This ‘Get Rich or Die’ plan is the true disaster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcRXwQ9bzQA
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