We now need all Texas hands on deck to protect health care
It's time to get to work, folks. With the election behind us, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of health coverage in Texas and across the country as state and federal leaders suddenly face the task of turning their health care rhetoric into actual policy decisions.
But we are certain about one thing: It is more important than ever that we work together to ensure affordable, quality health care for all Texans.
That's why we will continue to call on state leaders to develop a Texas plan to cover the uninsured, regardless of what the future may hold for federal Medicaid expansion funding for states.
That's why we are already ramping up our efforts to fight any attempts by the President-elect and Congressional leaders to take away insurance from the 20 million Americans -- including 1.2 million Texans -- who gained coverage under the ACA.
And that's why we will ask the hard questions about new policy proposals, questions like: Which Texans -- low-income children, seniors, people with disabilities, or pregnant women -- would state leaders target for cuts if the federal government granted their wish and turned Medicaid into a block grant.
If you're committed to joining us in this fight and making sure Texans get the health care they deserve, we invite you take these steps:
1. Register to join us for Health Coverage Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol on March 6th. 2. Make a donation to help pay for buses to bring Texans from all over the state to Advocacy Day. (We've almost reach our goal of raising $1,000 for this first phase of our campaign!) 3. Make sure your friends and family know they can still sign up for health coverage on the ACA Marketplace. While the election results could lead to Marketplace insurance changes in 2018 or 2019, we expect coverage to continue as is for 2017. 4. Stay updated on new developments and ways to stand up for health care by following us on Twitter and Facebook. (On Facebook, be sure to "Like" some of our recent posts so Facebook shows you our future posts.) 5. Get your friends involved. Send them this blog and invite them to sign up here for our email updates.
We appreciate your support! We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we know we are stronger together!
Want to get further up to speed? Here's the latest news on health coverage in Texas and nationwide.
Trump's Win Means Uncertainty for Health Care in Texas: The Texas Tribune examines possible scenarios for Texas and the nation as well as the concerns that the Center for Public Policy Priorities and others are raising.
Sign-ups for ACA Boosted by Trump's Vow to Repeal: The Houston Chronicle reports the pace of enrollment is "brisk" in Texas and nationwide following the election.
What's Next for the Affordable Care Act: CPPP explains where things stand and what comes next, noting that Texans can enroll in ACA Marketplace insurance by December 15 for coverage that begins January 1, 2017.
As Texas Insurers Wait for Trumpcare, They Worry About What Might Happen in the Short Term: Insurers and legislators discuss what comes next at the Texas Association of Health Plans' conference.
Let's Look at How Many Veterans Lack Health Care: In this Veterans Days blog, CPPP addresses veterans' access to health care in Texas and nationwide.
Obamacare Defenders Vow "Total War": Politico reports that advocates are gearing up to protect access to health care.
Donald Trump Willing to Keep Parts of Health Law: President-elect hints at compromise in Wall Street Journal interview after previously vowing to repeal the ACA