The C.B.O.’s Keeping Score—We’re Losers

Now It’s Time To Win Back Our Health Care Rights

Statement by NOW President Terry O’NeillDonald Trump loves calling people “losers” so much that he’s backing a health care plan that would put tens of millions of Americans on the losing side of the ledger.The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score of the House health bill found that 23 million people would lose all coverage, and about half the country would lose insurance for things like mental health and addiction treatment, maternity care or rehabilitation services. Medical deductibles would also increase.Some of the biggest losers would be people who use Medicaid, as 14 million fewer people would be in the program after 10 years.And women? What losers! The House bill defunds Planned Parenthood, cuts access to private insurance of abortion care, and allows insurers to designate things like sexual assault, domestic violence, and even C-section deliveries “pre-existing conditions.”Pregnant mothers? Losers! Medicaid pays for half of all births, including two-thirds of unplanned births -- but the bill cuts Medicaid by some $800 billion.Poorer and older Americans? Big league losers! A typical 64-year-old with an annual income of $26,500 would pay a net premium in 2026 that averages about $16,000 a year, compared with $1,700 under the Affordable Care Act.The C.B.O. scorecard makes it clear. The only people who win under Donald Trump’s health care plan are the millionaires and billionaires who stand to reap gigantic tax cuts.Trumpcare makes the rest of us losers. That’s why we have to tell our Senators and Members of Congress—if you back this disastrous plan, we’ll make sure you lose your next election.