This is just a quick update on our calls. We’ve made at least 61 calls to at least 59 unique offices.
The big trend that I am seeing is the Democratic offices that have been called don’t have this on the radar screen as a high priority item. We’ve been getting pro-forma “Of Course Congressman X has always opposed privatization efforts” or no position statements. This is a major problem. It also jibes with what Josh Marshall and his team at Talking Points Memo have reported.
I think that Medicare phase out by lowering subsidy value and thus dropping long run effective actuarial value is a far more likely threat to the health and well being of Americans than a complete Repeal and do nothing to the ACA. This is a change in my thinking from earlier in the week as the big changes have been the highly probable retention of the filibuster rules in the Senate for major legislation (which allows a lot of vote yes and hope no or vote no and hope yes behavior) and the mechanics of implementation. Phase-out via slowly growing subsidies won’t create immediately visible pain points while not replacing the ACA creates visible people in visible pain. Medicare is what I think we need to focus on even if the old people voted for Trump and Republicans.
Also as we start talking to Congress, we need to tell stories instead of wonkery. Stories can be run on the 6 o’clock news. Werebear and friends are collecting stories at Could Happen to You
I’m 60 years old and unemployed. Now I am on Medicaid because my income is about $600 per month. My medications cost $3000 per month at full retail. I have 2 chronic conditions: depression and diabetes. all my medications except insulin are generics and they still cost $3000 per month.
I’ve got one part time job and am going to school full time. i am looking for another part time job and will be a part time student. Part time jobs don’t offer insurance. and full time jobs pay so little, I could not afford the insurance and pay my other bills.
am I scared? You betcha! I told someone that my only choice will be choosing which way I want to die. Slowly and painfully from untreated diabetes or quickly from suicide due to untreated depression?.
Let’s get to 100 offices by the end of the day today.