FACES OF HEALTHCARE FAQ

1.Who is Herd on the Hill?

Herd on the Hill is a group of DC residents who work to help Americans get in touch with their members of Congress in their DC offices. Visit our About page to learn more.

2. Why do I need a photo?

Photos of real people make a big impact and force lawmakers to see the faces of constituents and their families who could be financially and physically harmed by the proposed healthcare bill, soon to be voted on by the Senate.

Photos will help to normalize preexisting and other conditions and universalize the need for affordable health care for all.

3. Who should I circle in the photo?

Any individual who could be turned away by insurance providers or incur greater health care costs if the healthcare bill is passed. (Note:  It does not matter whether this person is currently covered by “Obamacare,” aka the ACA. Even if the individual is privately insured at present, please circle them.)

Examples include:

• People with current or past (preexisting) conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, high blood pressure, mental illness, genetic conditions, Alzheimer’s, or a serious injury.
• Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant soon.
• Children and others with disabilities and/or other special needs, such as Downs’ Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, serious birth defects.
• Anyone who may have reached a life-time cap due to significant medical expenses (e.g. infants with congenital heart defects, car accident survivors, etc).
• Anyone who utilizes the services of Planned Parenthood for well woman care or other services.
• Current or future long-term care patients.
• Children receiving school-based services due to special needs.
• Individuals who are unemployed
• Working class
• Working poor and anyone who changes jobs frequently, especially people who rely on Medicaid.

4. What should I write on the back of the photo?

Three key things:

• Explain why the people who are circled would be hurt if the AHCA bill becomes law.
• Tell your senator to vote NO on the AHCA
• Write your name and address so your senator knows you are a constituent. Otherwise, your senator will ignore it.

With the exception of your name and address, don’t include any personal information you want to keep private

5. How did you pick the senators that are part of this effort?

We’ve consulted with a number of sources, including , to determine which senators are still thinking about how they’re going to vote and will be persuaded by messages from constituents.

6. What if my senator isn’t on the list?

Send the flyer to people you know who live in states with senators who are our focus

Sign our petition to get a message to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

7. What if I don’t have a photo?

Maybe you have a leftover holiday card from past years you can use? Do you have an online photo that you can print?

If not, you can sign our petition and we’ll get your message to your senator’s DC office in person. You can even sign up to have a phone call with someone from your senator’s staff.

8. When will the Senate vote on the AHCA?

It’s hard to know exactly when the Senate will vote, but many people think it will be before they depart Washington DC for the July 4 recess.

9. When will you deliver the photos?

We will deliver the photos on June 29. Photos we receive after June 28 might be delivered after the July 4 Congressional recess if the vote gets delayed.

10. How will I know you have delivered my photo?

We will post an update on our Facebook page and on Twitter, so follow us on one or both!