After Republicans Slashed Health Care And Sent Costs Soaring, Leader Schumer Unveils Senate Democrats’ Vision To Expand Access To Health Care And Lower Out-Of-Pocket Costs

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) unveiled Senate Democrats' vision for lowering health care costs and expanding access to care. Democrats' policy framework stands in stark contrast to Republicans' policies, which have ripped health insurance away from millions; driven up premiums, deductibles, and prescription drug prices; and jeopardized hospitals nationwide.

As health care costs soar and millions lose coverage, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today released Democrats' forward-looking framework to lower health care costs, expand access to reliable care for Americans across the country, and make it easier for patients and families to get the care they need. Republicans slashed over $1 trillion from the health care system to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations, and as a result, families are now paying more for health care but getting less.

"Republicans have ripped coverage away from millions and jacked up costs-just to reward billionaires and big corporations," said Leader Schumer. "The result: 15 million Americans losing care, rural hospitals closing, and a health system pushed to the brink. Democrats are focused on lowering health care costs and making health care more accessible and easier to navigate. Period. That's the fight, and that's what we're going to deliver."

In their "Big, Ugly Bill," Republicans enacted one of the largest health care cuts in history. They slashed Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA); ripped away health care from 15 million people; and put more than 750 hospitals, nursing homes, and health clinics at risk of closing. One hundred million Americans are already in medical debt, and 70% of Americans say the health care system is not meeting their needs. Republicans are exacerbating the health care crisis by jacking up costs and adding more red tape, while Democrats are focused on building a health care system that better serves all Americans.

Last week, Leader Schumer released a new "Broken Promises" report exposing the true costs of Republicans' policies, which have harmed Americans across the country, particularly those enrolled in Medicaid, those who rely on the ACA, and those who pay for job-based insurance. This report is part of Senate Democrats' year-long initiative to address the cost-of-living crisis Trump and Republicans have created. Democrats previously focused on the rising cost of housing, historic food and grocery prices, and skyrocketing energy costs.

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