 |
 |
From: Caitlin Jurman Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 11:31 AM To: MJFF Grassroots Policy Subject: IMPORTANT: Protect Healthcare TODAY! Dear Advocate, The Senate is considering new health care legislation, the Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson (GCHJ) proposal which could do lasting damage to the health care system and the access and affordability of your health care. Your senator John McCain will be key in determining if this legislation passes the Senate, this means that your voice can impact the future of healthcare in the United States. This is your opportunity to speak up for the Parkinson’s community and urge John McCain to oppose this damaging proposal. This proposal could: · Limit care for people with pre-existing conditions, including Parkinson’s · Decrease insurance benefits · Potentially subject patients to annual and lifetime caps on coverage · Make large-scale cuts to Medicaid funding Importantly, Senator McCain has been adamant in the past that complex healthcare legislation not be ‘rammed through congress’ and instead go through regular order, including hearings, amendments, and expert testimony. There have been no public hearings on the proposal, no Congressional analysis regarding coverage losses or costs, and no transparency. Remind Senator McCain that health care reform is complex and any proposal should be subject to public hearings, amendments, and expert testimony prior to being considered for a vote. You can reach John McCain’s staff in DC and in his local offices in Arizona at the below numbers. Suggested talking points are at the bottom of this email. Offices Washington, D.C. Office: Phone: 202-224-2235 Phoenix Office: Phone: 602-952-2410 Prescott Office: Phone: 928-445-0833 Tucson Office: Phone: 520-670-6334 Call often and feel free to share this information with any friends or family who reside in Arizona. Talking points: Tell John McCain how this proposal will affect your health and well-being. Remind him that it would: · Potentially limit care for people with pre-existing conditions, including Parkinson’s. While insurance companies cannot refuse to cover people with pre-existing conditions under this bill, a state waiver may determine what, if any, services they must cover. People with pre-existing conditions may fall under plans that are unaffordable or do not offer the comprehensive benefits necessary to manage disease. · Decrease insurance benefits. Presently, all state-approved health plans must offer minimum essential health benefits, such as access to prescription drugs, mental health care and laboratory services, among many others. The Senate proposal lets states waive coverage of these benefits. As a result, insurance companies could offer substandard plans that do not meet the needs of people with Parkinson’s and which subject people to annual and lifetime caps. · Cut Medicaid funding. A large number of people with PD are eligible for Medicaid. The Senate legislation would sharply reduce Medicaid funding, affecting our community’s ability to participate in this program and access care. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. All the best, Caitlin Jurman Associate Director, Community Engagement THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION FOR PARKINSON’S RESEARCH Phone: 212.509.0995 Ext. 330 ______________________________________________________________ Our single, urgent goal: Eliminate Parkinson’s disease in our lifetime. Get involved at MICHAELJFOX.ORG CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message is intended only for the addressee(s), may contain information that is considered to be sensitive or confidential and may not be forwarded or disclosed to any other party without the permission of the sender. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn