Progressive Democrats Reject Republican Health Cuts

WASHINGTON - March 8, 2017 - PRLog -- Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) said, "Americans have choices, and they've got to make a choice. And so maybe, rather than getting that new iPhone that they just love and want to go spend hundreds of dollars on, maybe they should invest in their own health care."

Donna Smith, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America exposed the flaws in the Republican proposals and Chaffetz's argument saying, "A tax credit at the end of the year does not pay for out of pocket health care costs, health insurance premiums, or healthcare access during the previous tax year. This Republican legislation will throw millions of people off healthcare, because they will simply not be able to afford the up-front premiums, co-pays, and other costs. Asked if millions of people will lose access to healthcare, Dr. Tom Price, the medical specialist turned Health and Human Services Secretary, refused to answer. Instead he pivoted to assure us that the new Republican bill will cut costs for the federal government. Expendables. That is the newest class of Americans."

Smith warned, "Faced with these draconian health cuts, some will go bankrupt seeking healthcare. Others will not even try to get care, but will let nature take its course rather than leave their family with massive bills they could never pay. We the millions of Americans who are threatened by the Republican health cuts must organize and fight back, even if the wealthy are uncomfortable with us. I guarantee you have neighbors and friends and family who hope you care enough to stand with them. Human compassion and dignity matter."

Kurt Bateman, PDA's Healthcare is a Human Right Coordinator, said, "Although Secretary Price claimed, 'this new bill is about patients not money,' he spent most of his time talking about insurance markets, rather than healthcare. This indifference endangers lives, and Republicans' plans to slash Medicaid jeopardizes jobs. According to University of Michigan researchers, Medicaid explanation created thousands of jobs and added millions of dollars in net revenues. That part of the Affordable Care Act is a smashing success."

Mike Hersh, PDA National Communications Director said, "Health coverage is at least ten times more costly than a smart phone, so the Republican rationale is mathematically flawed. Most importantly, comparing healthcare with a consumer device is alarming, and reveals a shocking lack of empathy. It's telling that these members of Congress would exempt themselves from this legislation. Republican health cuts demonstrate reckless disregard for our health and lives. The voters should punish every politician who supports them."

Progressive Democrats of America was founded in 2004 to increase participatory democracy in American politics, working both inside the Democratic Party, and outside the party in peace and justice movements. Among PDA's policy objectives, advocacy for an Expanded and Improved Medicare for All system is a top priority. See: http://www.PDAmerica.org