This morning, HRC members and supporters joined Members of Congress and former Vice President Biden on the steps of the Capitol to speak out against repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are working to force a vote on repeal of the ACA as soon as tomorrow.

Our message today was “#SaveACA” because the repeal of the ACA will have disastrous effects for the millions of Americans who rely on it for their healthcare.

In a devastating analysis, the Congressional Budget Office estimated last week that the Republican alternative to the ACA would result in 14 million people losing their health care coverage next year, and 24 million by 2026. The Republican plan would place in jeopardy coverage for thousands of low-income people living with HIV who have been able to obtain health insurance through the ACA’s Medicaid expansion. It would also cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which could endanger the ability of clinics to deliver preventive health services, including HIV testing and transition-related care, and would eliminate ACA’s public health and prevention fund that invests in the nation’s public health infrastructure -- disproportionately affecting people living in rural and isolated areas. And today, HRC sent a letter to Congress opposing the GOP’s unconscionable plan.

The ACA is a landmark piece of legislation that provides access to healthcare for 22 million Americans, including millions of LGBTQ people. Under the ACA, state marketplaces, health plans, and their employees are prohibited from discriminating against LGBTQ people. And insurers can’t charge more if you have a pre-existing condition, such as HIV or cancer. Data shows that the LGBTQ community is less likely to have health insurance than the non-LGBTQ community. The ACA makes new coverage options available to Americans, including those without access to coverage through a domestic partner or employer and those with pre-existing health conditions. Learn more about what the ACA does for the LGBTQ community here.

We urge HRC members, supporters and allies to call their congressperson today to urge them to vote against repeal of the ACA. Call the House switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or find the direct contact information for your congressperson here.