The Graham-Cassidy bill is just as bad as every other GOP led repeal and replace effort we've fought against over the past months. Senator Collins was integral in defeating Trumpcare, but it's back and we need to show up.. again. So, while Senator Collins speaks at an event this Friday, we will greet her and rally. We call on her to hold the line, keep her promises, speak up about the brutal impact of the Graham-Cassidy bill will have upon Maine and vote NO on the bill. We need care NOT cuts.
If you want to make posters ahead of time meet us at the Maine People's Alliance office at 9:30. 565 Congress St. Suite 200 Portland, ME
"These problems require a bipartisan solution. The Democrats made a big mistake when they passed the ACA without a single Republican vote. I don’t want to see Republicans make the same mistake."
"Rather than engaging in partisan exercises, Republicans and Democrats should work together to address these very serious problems. In their letter to Senate Leaders, the bipartisan group of Governors correctly notes that, “True, lasting reforms can only be achieved in an open, bipartisan fashion.”"
“Both parties must now work together to fix the flaws in our current health care system so that it works for all Americans.”
"We’re dealing with an issue that affects millions of Americans and one sixth of our economy, and we need to approach reforms in a very careful way. That means going through the regular process of committee hearings; receiving input from expert witnesses such as actuaries, governors, advocacy groups, and health care providers; and vetting proposals with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle. It needs to be a much more deliberative process. Neither party has a monopoly on good ideas, and we must work together to put together a bipartisan bill that fixes the flaws in the ACA and works for all Americans."
"Also included in all of these plans is a misguided proposal that would block federal funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, from going to Planned Parenthood. Millions of women across the country rely on Planned Parenthood for family planning, cancer screening, and basic preventive health care services. Denying women access to Planned Parenthood not only runs contrary to our goal of letting patients choose the health care provider who best fits their needs, but it also could impede timely access to care.
If Planned Parenthood were defunded, other family planning clinics in Maine, including community health centers, would see a 63 percent increase in their patient load. Some patients would need to drive greater distances to receive care, while others would have to wait longer for an appointment.
This is about interfering with the ability of a woman to choose the health care provider who is right for her. This harmful provision should have no place in legislation that purports to be about restoring patient choices and freedom."