SOS for Health Rally at Philadelphia City Hall
Media Invitation
WHAT: Please join us at City Hall next Thursday as health care workers, patients, caregivers, and researchers gather to say “enough is enough” to the Trump administration’s deep cuts to health care and assaults on science-based policy. These cuts are devastating Philadelphia medical institutions and endangering the health of Pennsylvanians, with more on the way.
Our health system is under siege and crumbling. On October 1, lawfully permanent residents who have been in the U.S. less than five years will lose Medicaid benefits. This includes all refugees and asylees as well as victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Then on January 1, most U.S. citizens on Medicaid will have new work requirements and will need to be recertified every six months.
Pennsylvania estimates that 310,000 residents will lose their health insurance. This is in addition to the 202,000 estimated Pennsylvanians who can no longer afford the Marketplace insurance through Pennie and already have lost coverage. Meanwhile, Trump has hollowed out federal health agencies, decimating medical research in Philadelphia, and health insurance corporations are asking for 10-40% increases in individual premiums in anticipation of higher costs due to uncompensated care.
Camera crews and broadcast media are encouraged to attend. Please contact Dr. Walter Tsou, [email protected] for additional logistical details and support. Similar events are scheduled across the country.
WHO: Dr. Walter Tsou, former health commissioner of Philadelphia
Dr. David Oxman, critical care physician, Committee to Defend Health Care Philadelphia
Brittany Shannahan, Medicare-for-All campaign organizer, Public Citizen
More speakers to come
WHEN: 12 – 1 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 24
WHERE: North Apron of City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.