GRAHAM-CASSIDY: WHAT THE T1D COMMUNITY NEEDS TO KNOW + WHAT YOU CAN DO

OUR POSITION ON GRAHAM-CASSIDY

The latest healthcare legislation bill — introduced Sept. 13 by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) “Graham-Cassidy” is a threat to the type 1 diabetes community in the United States. Every day we hear stories of hardship from the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community, especially around cost, access and coverage. Graham-Cassidy’s failure to protect people with pre-existing conditions is a failure to support the health of the T1D community.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again … Coverage matters. Access matters. People matter. Graham-Cassidy endangers access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans—especially the most vulnerable.

Beyond Type 1 is not alone in this fight. 16 major health organizations jointly declared opposition to Graham-Cassidy, including JDRF and the ADA. We stand with those organizations and with the type 1 community in opposition to this bill.

WHAT IS GRAHAM-CASSIDY, AND HOW WOULD IT IMPACT THE T1D COMMUNITY?

• Those pushing this bill are seeking a vote within days; after Sept. 30 the bill cannot be passed with a simple majority, and that change has resulted in a target vote before the end of September.
• Graham-Cassidy eliminates subsidized insurance coverage and Medicaid expansion (as well as other ACA programs).
• Instead, block grants, or lump sums of money, would be issued to states from the federal government. States that expanded Medicaid (i.e. California and Kentucky) stand to take the largest funding cut. States that did not expand Medicaid would likely receive more in federal funding (i.e. Texas and Georgia).
• States would no longer be required to use any federal funding to help cover low- and middle-income earners.
• States would be able to waive coverage of what are currently “essential benefits,” including mental health, substance abuse treatment and maternity care.
• States would be able to waive the protection against charging higher premiums based on health status, including pre-existing conditions.

According to insurance expert, Tony Steuer, CLU, LA, CPFFE, “The congressional budget office has also stated they will not have sufficient time to review the Graham-Cassidy legislation and issue a ‘score’ indicating how many people might lose coverage and/or impact on premiums. This means that the Senate and potentially the House would be voting on one of the most significant pieces of legislation of our time without knowing the extent of the potential repercussions.”

Want to learn more about the changes proposed by the Graham-Cassidy bill? This chart from NPR is a comprehensive resource that we recommend.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TODAY

Tell them why they should Vote NO on Graham-Cassidy. Tell them your personal story living with and paying for type 1 diabetes. Call them often. Even if they have already come out in opposition to the bill, it’s important to call to voice your opinion and tell them why Graham-Cassidy would hurt you and your family and support their position.

Find your Senator’s contact information here.