Thousands of people throughout the country gave their own time to fight legislation that would gut Medicaid and repeal the Affordable Care Act
Washington, D.C. – Months of dedicated and determined work by People’s Action Institute, our allies and 20 of our member groups in key states, helped save health care for 23 million people, and for everyone in the country.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pulled the plug on legislation Monday night when it became clear it didn’t have the votes to pass. The proposed legislation would have gutted Medicaid, increased premiums and deductibles, and put health care out of reach for millions of people with pre-existing conditions.
People’s Action Institute is part of the Health Care for America Now coalition that was pivotal in passing the Affordable Care Act seven years ago, and a leader in fighting the Republicans’ repeal effort now.
“This victory was the work of thousands of people throughout the country who gave their own time to fight for their health care, and to save health care for their friends, family and neighbors. They fought to protect health care for people they have never met,” said LeeAnn Hall, co-director of People’s Action Institute and an HCAN board member.
“Affordable, accessible, quality health care is a right, and it is something many people now have for the first time in their lives because of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. They aren’t going to let it go,” said Hall. “People have sent a clear message to Congress: Don’t steal our health care to give tax breaks to the drug corporations and the one percent – health care is a right, not a privilege.”
In the last few months, People’s Action Institute, our allies and supporters were a strong voice and visible force calling on Congress and other elected officials, including governors, to oppose the health care repeal legislation.
That effort included:
- 82,053 petition signatures delivered to Congress.
- 48,824 letters generated to Congress members.
- 638 rallies and protests around the country.
- 105 lobby meetings in Congressional offices.
- 100,240 personal contacts to members of Congress.
People’s Action Institute will continue the effort to make health care more affordable for all, open Medicare to everyone, and reduce drug prices.
Contact Kathy Mulady to arrange an interview with LeeAnn Hall or with activists who worked relentlessly to oppose the repeal legislation and protect health care for all.
Read LeeAnn Hall’s blog post on OurFuture.org
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People’s Action Institute is a national organization of more than a million people across 29 states working for economic, racial, gender and climate justice.