Protect Our Care

To celebrate the 12th anniversary of the?#ACA, we teamed up with?Barack Obama?to surprise health care storytellers and advocates to discuss what affordable coverage means for their families and the importance of continuing to protect and build on the ACA. Watch the heartwarming conversations here!?#ThxACA

House Republicans are pushing $880 billion in Medicaid cuts, a move that would force millions of children, seniors, and working families off their health care. Medicaid and CHIP are the largest health insurance programs in the U.S., covering nearly 80 million people—including half of all births nationwide and millions of older adults who rely on Medicaid for long-term care. These cuts would devastate communities, drive up health care costs, and increase burdens on hospitals and nursing homes. This isn’t about saving money—it’s about denying care to the most vulnerable.

Medicaid is a lifeline for 72 million Americans—providing essential care for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and hard-working families. But Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are pushing dangerous cuts that could rip coverage away from millions, all to fund tax breaks for billionaires. We can’t let that happen. Join us TODAY at 3 PM ET for the Hands Off Medicaid Virtual Rally with Senators Chuck Schumer, Ron Wyden, Dick Durbin, Tammy Baldwin, Elizabeth Warren, Raphael Warnock, and more. Together, we’ll send a clear message: Medicaid matters, and we’re not backing down. ?? When: Wednesday, March 5th ? Time: 3:00 PM ET ?? Watch live on our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/ew6AcWj6 This is a critical moment to stand up, speak out, and fight back. Help us amplify the message—share this event and make sure Washington hears us loud and clear.

Senator Tammy Baldwin is raising the alarm on an urgent issue: Medicaid is at risk of devastating cuts in the next Congressional session. These cuts could impact millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid as their primary source of health care. Why is Medicaid so vital? 30 million children rely on Medicaid for basic health care. 40% of all births in the U.S. are covered by Medicaid, providing essential prenatal and postnatal care. 8 million seniors depend on Medicaid for long-term care and critical services. Medicaid is the primary payer for people seeking mental health and substance use treatment. In the face of these attacks, it's critical we stand together to protect Medicaid. Republicans are pushing to cut these vital services to fund $4.6 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations. We cannot allow these cuts to go through. The consequences for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing mental health challenges would be devastating. Now is the time to speak up and demand that Congress protect Medicaid.

The ACA’s enhanced tax credits have made health insurance more affordable and accessible than ever—lowering premiums, reducing out-of-pocket costs, expanding coverage, and narrowing racial disparities. Because of these tax credits, more families can afford quality health care, more small business owners can access coverage, and more Americans are protected from skyrocketing costs. But here’s the problem: These critical savings expire after 2025 unless Congress takes action. If they don’t, millions will see higher premiums, fewer plan options, and a growing uninsured rate. We cannot afford to go backward. Policymakers must act now to extend the ACA’s enhanced tax credits and keep health care affordable for all.

My sincere hope is that, as our nation’s top health leader, Secretary Kennedy decides to support and advance health rather than undermine it. The Trump Administration has blocked the CDC and other federal health agencies from communicating with the public, sought to cut public funding for scientific and medical research, and directed the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization. These actions all put our health at risk. ? We remain skeptical of Secretary Kennedy’s willingness to use his position and influence to move us toward a day when health in America is no longer a privilege for some, but a right for all. Yet our skepticism only strengthens our resolve at RWJF. Alongside our partners and grantees, we will continue to advocate for essential health policies including expanding coverage, making care more affordable, and protecting reproductive freedom. Moreover, everyone in America must continue to have access to all expert-recommended vaccines for which they’re eligible—as well as clear and evidence-based guidance on the safety and efficacy of those vaccines. ? While we may disagree on the causes, RWJF shares Secretary Kennedy’s goals of addressing chronic disease in children and creating a more nutritious food supply and would welcome the opportunity to share ideas with him. We hope he shares our convictions that accomplishing those goals will require new investments in public health departments, schools, and neighborhoods. We also urge Secretary Kennedy to support rulemaking that has the potential to transform the health of communities nationwide, including the EPA's final rule requiring the removal of all remaining lead pipes in our communities and the FDA’s proposed rule to lower nicotine levels in cigarettes to nonaddictive levels.? ? As the leader of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a $2 trillion agency that oversees our nation’s healthcare and public health systems, Secretary Kennedy has an obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of every person in America. He must use his authority responsibly by following scientific evidence, listening to experts, and leading with compassion. If he does not, we worry the damage to our country will be severe.

The Supreme Court is about to hear Becerra v. Braidwood Management—a case that could strip away access to lifesaving care. Cancer screenings, HIV prevention, diabetes tests, and more are on the line. If this lawsuit succeeds, insurers could deny coverage for essential preventive care, putting millions of lives at risk. This is a direct attack on the Affordable Care Act and our health care. We can’t afford to lose this fight. #ProtectOurCare

Vaccines have saved millions of lives—yet misinformation from people like RFK Jr. threatens the progress we’ve made. In his latest op-ed for The New York Times, Dr. Paul Offit MD, a pediatrician and vaccine expert, explains the difference between healthy skepticism and dangerous cynicism. He calls out RFK Jr. for rejecting overwhelming scientific evidence and spreading myths that put public health at risk. Vaccines are rigorously tested, monitored for safety, and have prevented over 1 million deaths and 32 million hospitalizations in the last three decades. But RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine agenda undermines trust in life-saving science, endangering children and communities alike. It’s time to stand with science, not fear-mongering. Read Dr. Offit’s powerful essay here:

?? Public health is on the line. Today, Protect Our Care led a day of action on Capitol Hill to deliver a clear message: The Senate must reject RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. RFK Jr.’s long history of spreading dangerous conspiracy theories, questioning vaccine safety, and undermining public health has had devastating consequences. His actions during the Samoa measles outbreak, which followed his anti-vaccine rhetoric, are a stark warning of the risks he poses to America’s health care system. At today’s day of action, we: ? Delivered a report to all 100 Senate offices, outlining the public health risks posed by RFK Jr. ? Shared a mobile billboard across Capitol Hill exposing RFK Jr.’s anti-science record. ? Stood alongside leaders like Gov. Josh Green and Rep. Kim Schrier to emphasize the stakes. The stakes couldn’t be higher—every senator must take a stand for public health and reject RFK Jr.’s nomination. Read more about our efforts and why this fight matters in the Washington Post:?

As we celebrate the holiday season and prepare for a new year, we’re reflecting on the progress we’ve made in protecting health care—and the challenges ahead. Trump’s nomination of RFK Jr., an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, to lead HHS threatens public health and the affordability of care for millions. Meanwhile, Republican plans to: ?? Slash Medicaid funding ?? Dismantle the Affordable Care Act ?? Undermine cost-saving programs like $35 insulin, free vaccines for seniors, and Medicare drug price negotiations are set to make 2025 a defining year for health care in America. At Protect Our Care, we are ready to fight back and defend the health and well-being of families nationwide. But we need your help. ?? This holiday season, commit to protecting health care in 2025: ?? Donate to fuel the fight: https://lnkd.in/eihPzcBB ?? Sign up for updates and take action: https://lnkd.in/dkB7zi6 Let’s work together to ensure affordable, quality care for every American.