Welcome back to your second Kitchen Table Action of the month.
Our December focus remains: Defending Healthcare & ACA Subsidies.
While Congress drags its feet, millions of people are staring down a 75% premium jump if enhanced ACA subsidies expire, and we need both federal and state-level solutions that protect people regardless of who controls Washington.
This week’s action taps into one of the strongest tools states already have but rarely use, which is the ability to work together to drive down health insurance costs.
☎️ This Week’s Kitchen Table Action: The 150-Word Email
Your goal:
Send a short, clear email to your blue-state Governor or State Legislators urging them to use ACA Section 1333 authority to form an interstate Health Care Choice Compact with other large Democratic-led states.
This is a powerful workaround: States can combine their insurance markets, negotiate like a buying cooperative, and force costs down even if the federal government is actively undermining healthcare.
Colorado has already proven the model. Its public option cut premiums by about $100 a month for many enrollees… and that was just ONE state. Imagine what a group of states representing tens of millions of potential health insurance buyers could accomplish!
Let’s encourage our states to take Colorado’s model to the next level using legal authority that already exists and simply needs to be used.
📝 The Customizable 150-Word Email
Here’s a customizable email you can use. Don’t worry about sounding fancy. You’re not lobbying, you’re simply speaking up. And let’s face it, sending an email is a lot less stressful than making a phone call.
The Email
Subject: Please pursue an ACA Section 1333 Healthcare Compact
Dear [Governor/Representative/Senator ____],
I’m writing as a constituent from ZIP code [____] to urge you to pursue a Health Care Choice Compact under Section 1333 of the Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. § 18053).
A compact with other large Democratic-led states, such as California, New York, Illinois, or Washington, would combine our market power to cap hospital reimbursement rates, negotiate lower pharmaceutical prices, and build a more resilient public option that isn’t dependent on federal cooperation.
Colorado’s state public option shows this works: many enrollees saw premiums drop by $100 a month through targeted efficiency reforms.
With ACA subsidies at risk federally, it’s critical that states take proactive steps to protect affordability. I hope you’ll prioritize this effort and communicate publicly about next steps.
Thank you for your leadership and attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
✨ Make It Your Own (Optional Add-ons)
If you want to add a little context or urgency, consider one of these:
“My family relies on ACA coverage and we need cost stability.”
“State leaders have an opportunity to show what real healthcare leadership looks like.”
“A compact like this would protect millions of residents from federal instability.”
“Colorado has already shown that forced efficiency works. We should build on that success.”
Or add something else to make the email unique and your own. Remember that even one additional sentence can make your message stand out.
How to Find Your Elected Officials
You can find your governor and state legislators here:
Governor Contact Directory: select your state or territory from the dropdown menu.
State and Territorial Legislature Lookup: select your state from the map and you’ll be taken to the applicable legislature’s website (you’ll need to search for contact info there).
TIP: Finding the correct contact info might take a few minutes. Bookmark the applicable pages and/or websites to spend less time in the future!
Why This Works
Most people only advocate at the federal level. But state officials have enormous power to reshape healthcare markets and they hear from far fewer constituents. In other words, your voice is much more likely to be heard at the state level.
A handful of well-informed messages can put Section 1333 Compacts on their radar, especially if multiple states begin hearing the same request simultaneously.
This is how structural reform starts: with consistent, well-aimed pressure.
Small Moves, Steady Reps, Clear Values
Every message you send builds your activist muscles.
Every message makes it easier for state leaders to act boldly.
Every message moves us one step closer to a better world.
And together, doing small things from our kitchen tables, we can create the large-scale changes Washington refuses to make.
See you next week for Action #3.
In Solidarity,
Brandon