Election Results Mean Potential Threats to Health Care Once Again

11.06.2024 /Statement

Election Results Mean Potential Threats to Health Care Once Again

Anthony Wright, Families USA's Executive Director, issued the following statement today on the Presidential election results:

"After a tough and divisive campaign and based on the past positions and actions of the prior Trump administration, all Americans should be highly alarmed about potential threats to the health coverage and consumer protections we all rely on. The repercussions of this election will be felt especially by many who are already marginalized, regardless of how they may have voted. As we have before, Families USA will be at the barricades to defend the core commitments of Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, and our health care system. We will be on the frontlines in support of those Americans who face immediate threats to their health and lives just because of who they are, who they love, or where they come from. As Americans, we are united in needing quality, affordable care and wanting more economic security. On health care, the policy mandate for this election is much more about an affordability agenda of lowering health costs than of shredding the safety-net.

"Health care remains one of the biggest financial burdens facing Americans. At a time when so many American families continue to struggle with high prices for basic necessities like food, housing and health care, voters have sent a message that policymakers simply mustdo more to lower costs.

"What the American people did not vote for is any rollback in the significant progress we've made to provide more people access to affordable health care. Despite their past positions, both President Trump and his running mate disavowed Project 2025 or any repeal of the Affordable Care Act and its protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Trump distanced himself from the proposals of some in his party to cut and cap Medicare and Medicaid, repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, and stated repeatedly that they would not enact a national abortion ban.

"We will hold them to their word and fight like hell to protect access to health care for all Americans, regardless of where they are from, where they work, or how much money they make. We stand in solidarity and support with those whose health and livelihood are under attack, from immigrant to LGBTQ to transgender to Black and Brown communities. These attacks will impact all of us since our health system is ultimately stronger when everyone is included.

"Any attempt to undermine the ACA, Medicaid or Medicare would shift costs onto consumers and patients, which would be the opposite of what voters wanted and politicians promised.

"If President Trump is serious about improving affordability in health care, we stand ready and willing to work to advance a bipartisan affordability agenda, much of which is currently pending in Congress. During President Trump's first term, Families USA worked with his administration and bipartisan leaders in Congress to secure significant wins for patients by taking action to stop surprise medical bills and improve hospital price transparency. We intend to keep working with Congress and this new administration on these and other priorities that improve health care and lower costs for our nation's families."