Patient Groups Convene on Capitol Hill; Urge Senate to Reject Graham-Cassidy Bill and Preserve Quality Health Coverage for Millions of Americans

Patients and consumers from across the country, including Alaska, Arizona, Ohio and West Virginia will be in Washington, D.C. Monday to make patients' voices heard in the latest health care debate. They will urge their senators to reject the Graham-Cassidy health bill and to preserve quality health care access and coverage for millions of Americans. The Protect Patients NOW event, which will happen shortly before the bill's only scheduled hearing, is being organized by a wide range of patient and public interest groups, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Consumers Union, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The groups oppose many of the proposed legislation's key provisions, including giving states the option to waive essential health benefits, allowing insurers to potentially charge people more based on their health status, and dramatically cutting critical Medicaid funding.

The groups call on lawmakers to ensure any changes to current law makes health coverage affordable, accessible, adequate and easy to understand.

Patients will meet with their senators and hold a press event in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, SDG-11, at 11:00 EST.

Interested media please RSVP to [email protected]

WHAT:
"Protect Patients NOW" Press Event to Preserve Health Care

WHEN/WHERE:
Monday, September 25, 2017
11:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
 Dirksen Senate Office Building—SDG 11

WHO:
Speakers:
Ashley Murosky, Pa., lung cancer patient
Jodi Smith Lemacks, Va., and her son Josh, 14, who was born with congenital heart disease
Steve Tyler, Alaska, three-time cancer survivor
Sue Nelson, vice president, American Heart Association
U.S. Senator Bob Casey
Members of Congress (invited)
More than a dozen other patients from around the country including: Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Participating groups:
ACS CAN, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, ALS Association, American Liver Foundation, American Lung Association, Arthritis Foundation, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Consumers Union, Epilepsy Foundation, Family Voices, Lutheran Services In America, March of Dimes, National Health Council, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Organization for Rare Disorders, United Way, Volunteers of America, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.