As Senate Debates TrumpCare, Whip Hoyer Releases Additional #TrumpCareStories Videos

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced that TrumpCareStories.org, which compiles House Democrats’ “TrumpCare Stories: Americans Talk to Congress About Health Care” video series, now features 33 stories of Americans who would be impacted by TrumpCare. Included in that are three new videos of Hoyer interviewing Maryland residents. As Senate Republicans debate TrumpCare, Hoyer and House Democrats are sharing stories of Americans who would be harmed by the legislation.  

In the videos he released today, Hoyer interviewed three Marylanders – Angela Paris, Barbara Gruber, and Kasey Seymour. They are each concerned that, under TrumpCare, insurers would once again be able to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions.  Additionally, Barbara discussed the age tax that TrumpCare would impose on older Americans.

“As the Senate prepares to vote on TrumpCare, I hope they’ll keep Americans like Angela, Barbara, and Kasey in mind,” said Whip Hoyer. “These stories are just a few examples of how efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act would significantly harm Americans through lost coverage and increased costs. Democrats will continue to highlight what’s at stake for working families across the country as Republicans continue their repeal effort. No matter what version of the bill they pass, it will have devastating consequences for millions of people. I urge the Senate to reconsider this approach and work with Democrats to improve the Affordable Care Act instead.”

TrumpCareStories.org now features 33 stories of Americans who would be impacted by TrumpCare. In addition to Whip Hoyer’s three new videos, House Democrats are also sharing #TrumpCareStories from their constituents:

• Rep. Cheri Bustos (IL-17), who talked to Amber, Anastasia, Kathy and Ron, Joan, and Jim;
• Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), who talked to Amanda and health experts from Gutthmacher Institute and National Women’s Law Center;
• Rep. Joe Crowley (NY-14), who talked to Barbara;
• Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01), who talked to Sarah and Kelly;             
• Rep. Val Demings (FL-10), who talked to April and Kirk;
• Rep. Ted Deutch (FL-22), who talked to Carlos;
• Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21), who talked to Michael, Julie, and Amanda;
• Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), who talked to Matthew and Brittany;
• Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), who told the stories of Brenda, Kris, and Caroline;
• Rep. Joe Kennedy (MA-04), who talked to Danya;
• Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), who talked to Melissa;
• Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-09), who held an event with a number of constituents;
• Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-06), who talked to Shanette;
• Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), who talked to Esther.
• Rep. David Price (NC-04), who spoke with a number of constituents;
• Rep. Kathleen Rice NY-04), who talked to Marybeth;
• Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28), who talked to Max;

From the interviews Rep. Hoyer conducted:

Angela’s daughter Rachel was diagnosed with epilepsy, and she depends on medication and regular neurologist visits to live a full life. Angela is concerned that TrumpCare would make Rachel’s health coverage unaffordable.

Barbara has a number of pre-existing conditions, which previously made her coverage unaffordable before the ACA. Thanks to the ACA, she was able to access coverage she could afford and that provided the benefits she needed. She’s concerned that, under TrumpCare, it would be harder to access affordable coverage and that she would be subjected to an age tax.

Finally, Kasey has Cystic Fibrosis and underwent a  double lung transplant. She is also concerned that TrumpCare would take away protections for those with pre-existing conditions and reinstate annual and lifetime limits.

You can view Angela’s story here, Barbara’s story here, and Kasey’s story here.