Attn: Health Sta er

HEALTHCARE IS A LIFESAVER

Quality, affordable health coverage saves lives.

MomsRising.org | MamásConPoder.org Dear Friend,

Quality, affordable health coverage is a lifesaver for families in the U.S.

Indeed, recent improvements to our nation’s healthcare system have brought the number of uninsured Americans to a record low. Currently, over 90% of Americans are insured through employer-sponsored health coverage, Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.

Any changes to our healthcare system must include a plan to ensure families do not lose access to the quality, affordable healthcare they depend on – It’s a lifesaver!

Over the past week, we asked our over a million MomsRising volunteers to share their personal experiences about how the Affordable Care Act and other healthcare programs are helping their families and the response has been overwhelming. In the following pages, you will find some highlights of the heartfelt stories we received from around the country.

Listen to voices of moms like Leigh from Phoenix, AZ: The ACA made a huge difference for my family. I had a child a few months before it went into effect. During that time, I paid 1/3 of my monthly salary for a minimalist employer health plan. It had a high deductible and my child was in the hospital for a few days, so I accrued thousands in medical debt. I ended up having to file bankruptcy. I was so thankful when the ACA went into effect. The new Obamacare plan was 1/3 the cost of my work plan and covered far more. Now I have a new job and the plan to add my child is 1/2 of my take home pay! We literally can’t afford for the ACA to go away. I have a masters degree and would be homeless if I had to pay that much for insurance. I work hard at my job and at being a parent. Families like mine need the ACA.

And Amy from Columbus, OH: Our daughter Addie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 6—an autoimmune disease for which there is no cure, but does have very expensive treatments. When my husband lost his job a few years ago, prior to the Affordable Care Act, NO ONE would insure us - at any cost. We were denied coverage because of Addie’s Type 1 diagnosis. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we no longer have to worry about being denied coverage and I can sleep at night knowing that Addie will always have access to her life saving medications – or will she??

These are voices of moms and dads across the nation who remind all of us that healthcare security is critical to our nation’s families.

If you have questions or would like to contact any of these individuals, please contact Felicia Willems at: [email protected].

Thank you for your work on behalf of America’s families!

Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner Executive Director MomsRising.org

1 MomsRising.org Personal stories from MomsRising members about the importance of quality, affordable healthcare

ALABAMA ALASKA volves a minimum monthly payment of 268 for myself and my son, of which the My sweet boy was born at 30 weeks and My daughter sustained lung damage plan does not cover everything needed was in the NICU. He is now 7 but he is during birth, despite being carefully and the deductible is 7500. Too high for on breathing meds daily. Sometimes he monitored in a hospital. She was in the a single mother paying for mortgage doesn’t need the fast acting inhaler and NICU for a month and needed follow-up payments, outrageous heating bill costs, somtimes he does. He was a whole 3 lbs care for a year. All told her medical bills and high medicals copay costs. 10 oz and my one and only. He had to for that year reached nearly one million come early because I had Pre Eclampsia, dollars. Something must change and Affordable healthcare act provides hope that more HeLLp Syndrome, and my whole preg- Without the ACA provision that prevent- healthcare service will be covered ie nancy was really horrible. I have never ed our insurance from capping annual preventive care, mammograms, dental been so sick in my whole life. I love my benefits, we would be bankrupt. With- cleanings, eliminate pre existing con- sweetie and he needs his Medicaid! out CHIP paying for costs that Blue Cross ditions. The rest of the world does not would not cover (heart medication that – Shannon, Slocomb, AL have these problems as America does had to be compounded for an infant, ox- with inflated healthcare costs and it’s ygen that she needed 24 hours a day for I am a breast cancer survivor and know time America followed suit with provid- 4.5 months), we would be slightly better how important it is for patients to NOT ing reasonable costs to citizens. be excluded from insurance because of than bankrupt. I fear that my daughter’s past medical history! Mine returned after first moments of life will make her unin- – Kristina, Fairbanks, AK more than 20 years. surable for the rest of her life. – Betty, Fairhope, AL – Robin, Anchorage, AK ARIZONA We never expected that our healthy, ac- I have a daughter currently going to col- tive, eleven year old son would be di- lege out of state. This past summer she agnosed with a chronic and potentially landed in the emergency room twice life threatening condition. But, on March because of a previously unknown health 1st, 2010 an emergency room doctor di- condition. It is one that will recur from agnosed Joshua with Type 1 diabetes. time to time and causes her disabling pain and it is incurable to my knowledge. There is no cure for this auto-immune Even with a family policy, I am still pay- disorder, in which the immune system ing off the costs that were not covered. attacks and destroys the body’s insulin There is no way she could afford this producing cells. We quickly learned to on her own. I was worried sick that she give insulin shots, count carbs, and use would become too old for coverage un- many daily finger sticks to monitor his der our policy and would have no access blood sugar levels. With careful manag- to emergency services and pain relief ment, Joshua can live a full and healthy Nina, Tucson, AZ when it inevitably happens again. I was life. thrilled to learn the new health care re- I am a 61 year old single mom. I have I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that form plan would mean she could not be been self employed my whole life. My he can’t be denied health insurance be- dropped from our family policy until age son and I are very healthy. After 30 cause of his condition – both now and 26. I can rest easy knowing that she can years of paying for premiums that at later as an adult. Joshua is a great kid. continue coverage and receive care she times I could not afford, I was going to He’s kind, compassionate, a straight-A needs. have to give up my insurance in 2013 student, and active in our church. Just because it came down to eat or pay for – Paige, Anchorage, AK because a person has less-than-perfect insurance. health, doesn’t mean that person can’t I am a single mother to one. Costs of liv- Then the ACA insurance began and I re- also be a valuable and productive mem- ing have doubled in last ten years. Wag- ceived a subsidy and cost sharing and I ber of our society. Please keep health in- es have stayed the same. Health care literally cried because I felt my govern- surance available for EVERYBODY. coverage is not available through my ment cared about me. Having health – Sandy, Killen, AL employer. The cost of a private plan in- insurance gives me peace of mind.

2 MomsRising.org I have many friends, family members mind to both be healthier AND have in- I have two disabled daughters and not and neighbors that did not have any in- surance! a lot of money. Without Medicaid, they surance and did without medical care – Ann-Mary, Scottsdale, AZ would not be on the level developmen- until the ACA made the premiums af- tally that they are now. fordable. My adult daughter has asthma and dia- – Melissa, Jacksonville, AR – Merna, Tucson, AZ betes. She has the Affordable Health Care plan. Without it, she could not get I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis the medical supplies and treatment she CALIFORNIA about 10 years ago and it is systemic, needs to survive. Before the ACA, we were paying $2,000/ meaning it affects all of my muscle sys- – Nancy, Glendale, AZ month for horrible health insurance. tems. I put together a team of physicians That is 1/4 of our gross monthly income! who work together to keep me healthy Our daughter lost her job in the econom- And even that insurance ran out because and active. Because of the narrow net- ic downturn, and also her insurance. She of ‘pre-existing’ conditions, so we were works this year my choices under the managed to be employed most of the without any insurance for 6 months until healthcare website are extremely limit- time for the worst years, but all her jobs the ACA kicked in. ed. My primary, my neurologist, and my were part time or temporary, without nephrologist are not in the networks of Now, we get better insurance and with benefits. She tried to get private insur- any plans offered. the subsidies pay only $450/month for a ance, but no companies would insure family of three. Because the new insurance does not her due to a pre-existing condition. cover any out of network doctors I will – Gunnar, Berkeley, CA Through Obamacare, she was finally lose the three most important doctors able to purchase insurance to get her who have kept me healthy. This is why through the last years before she was networks need to not be limited. The finally hired at a permanent job with citizens want a single payer healthcare benefits. Now she participates in the system that is affordable. employee program at her company. But – David, Glendale, AZ Obamacare got her safely through some very tough times. The ACA made a huge difference for my – Deborah, Gilbert, AZ family. I had a child a few months be- fore it went into effect. During that time, I paid 1/3 of my monthly salary for a Healthcare means not being trapped in minimalist employer health plan. It had your job to keep benefits. Also, both my a high deductible and my child was in brother and I have “pre-existing condi- the hospital for a few days, so I accrued tions” and cannot risk the insurance thousands in medical debt. I ended up market without some protection. William, Palm Desert, CA having to file bankruptcy. – Erika, Phoenix, AZ Since our income is extremely variable, I was so thankful when the ACA went into the ACA has really helped my partner effect. The new Obamacare plan was 1/3 and me to keep our health insurance the cost of my work plan and covered far ARKANSAS costs affordable. In years where we do more. Now I have a new job and the plan This year, I have had 2 strokes, due to a well, we happily pay the full premium to add my child is 1/2 of my take home benign tumor on my heart valve, and an for our insurance, but in those years pay! We literally can’t afford for the ACA open-heart surgery in order to save my when we don’t do so well, the subsidy to go away. I have a masters degree and life. I had to go through many cat scans, kicks in to help us out. would be homeless if I had to pay that much for insurance. I work hard at my echos, echocardiograms, x-rays, etc., job and at being a parent. Families like during my 2 1/2 week stay in the hospital One month after her graduation from UC mine need the ACA. before the surgery was finally done on Berkeley, my daughter was diagnosed March 31. My second stroke happened with the life threatening condition an- – Leigh, Phoenix, AZ on March 19. I just happened to have the orexia nervosa. She required two inten- Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield health sive hospitalizations and prolonged out Before the Affordable Care Act I couldn’t insurance that paid for nearly $16,000 patient care which saved her life. She get individual health insurance at all, worth of medical bills. This is why I am has been in remission now for about 5 not even if I was willing to pay a high pre- so concerned about losing my health- years. mium, because I had asthma that need- care and insurance. And, I didn’t have to ed to be treated with steroids. Now I can Since she had graduated the month pay a penny for anything except $4 co- get GOOD coverage with an affordable before, without the ACA she would not pay on certain prescriptions. premium and my asthma is completely have had any insurance, and had she managed. It brings me such peace of – Kathy, Trumann, AR not been covered until age 26 we would

MomsRising.org 3 have had to pay for these extremely ex- chained to the protection of a big group pensive hospitalizations and special- policy. We secured insurance and his ized outpatient care out of pocket. This business has been thriving. We cannot would have been financially devastating afford to lose coverage for our Myka. for us even though I am a well compen- – Angela, Yorba Linda, CA sated physician. I feel that the ACA saved my daughter’s life at that time, and that Without ACA or something like it, our without it, she will again be vulnerable son who is now 10 would have no health if insurance companies are allowed to coverage. Prior to ACA he was uninsur- deny coverage for pre-existing condi- able. The reason? He was born almost 3 tions should she relapse. months prematurely which caused neu- – Tia, Davis, CA ro-sensory delays -- normal when one is that premature. So essentially, being I am currently going through my sec- premature was his pre-existing condi- ond bout with breast cancer. The first tion which left him uninsurable. time was difficult financially but thank Toni, East Palo Alto, CA – Simone, Helendale, CA goodness we had insurance through my Preventative care - well-child visits for husband’s employer. We still do, but my my son and daughter, mammograms greatest fear is that if the ACA is repealed for me - are covered with no cost now. I may be denied coverage due to my pre Maintaining good health now takes COLORADO existing condition or the insurance com- priority and we no longer have to put My daughter was born with a urinary- panies may be able to once again place off any doctor visits that will keep us tract issue that was resolved surgically caps on what they pay out for very ex- healthier in the long run because of at age 4. Even years after the surgery, pensive treatments such as chemo, ra- cost. insurance companies refused to cover diation and surgeries. her. It wasn’t until the Affordable Care – Jerilynn, Castro Valley, CA I have always been very healthy and Act that we were able to purchase health since I’m self-employed, I did not have insurance that covered our entire family. The Affordable Care Act saved my sight. insurance because it was too costly. It was a life-saver. Without it I would not have been able to Also, I try to keep myself healthy and in- – Jennie, Lafayette, CO afford two surgeries necessary to repair surance at that time did not reward be- a detached retina. Today I have 20/30 ing proactive about my health. When the My brother, his wife and son got health sight in that eye. Affordable Health Care Act was passed, I insurance for the first time a couple of decided at age 52 to take advantage of it. – Robin, Santa Cruz, CA years ago because of the ACA. His wife Little did I know what an important deci- has a serious disease and without insur- sion that was. The ACA enabled me to get the health- ance, especially that covers preexisting care I needed to address a complex situ- I signed up in January 2014 and in July conditions and doesn’t impose a cap on ation with my hearing and balance. This of that year, I was diagnosed with Stage benefits, I don’t know what they would has enabled me to spend more time 3 breast cancer. If it weren’t for the ACA, do. working and earning money for my fam- I would be bankrupt or dead. I couldn’t My husband’s small business has saved ily, not just because I’m in better health, be denied coverage because of a preex- thousands because of the ACA and I get but also because I spend less time on the isting condition and am happy to report my insurance through one of the ex- phone dealing with the terrible insur- that I am still here and cancer free two changes. My mother is on Medicare. ance that was all we could afford before years later. the ACA. – Kristin, Morrison, CO – Susan, San Francisco, CA – Karin, Richmond, CA I believe quality and affordable care en- I’m the mother of 3, one of which is a courages me and others to seek medical My son has a congenital disability that 7 year old girl named Myka. Myka was not only when we need to, also as a pre- would make him uninsurable if it wasn’t born with an undiagnosed heart defect. ventative measure with annual check- for the compulsory elimination of pre- She forever will be labeled as having a ups! existing conditions by the Affordable pre-existing condition. Myka spent 2.5 Care Act. weeks in the NICU and had 2 open heart – Johanna, Aurora, CO By eliminating it not only would it en- surgeries (one at 4 months old and one danger his life, but it would also deprive at 11 months old). him of working and being a self- sup- To date, she’s a $500k baby. My hus- CONNECTICUT porting taxpayer and being a contribut- band was laid off after the ACA became As a retired public school teacher I must ing member to society. law. This gave him a chance to launch pay for my own private health insurance. – Judith, Los Angeles, CA his own business as we were no longer I have several chronic medical condi-

4 MomsRising.org tions and as a result of the Affordable there are so many families out there like Health Care Act health insurers can’t dis- us – they have insurance but it doesn’t criminate against me. The ACA has given I served in the cover the needs of their developmen- me peace of mind! tally disabled child. Our society needs to military for 28 take a stand for our children and contin- – Timothy, East Hartford, CT years. I put my ue to fund Medicaid for our most vulner- able citizens. Thank you for fighting to life on the line continue Medicaid coverage for disabled for what the children and others. – Kristina, Newark, DE American Dream is all about. No FLORIDA mom in the United To my daughter and I health care is im- States of America perative for survival. My daughter who is 22 and has lived her whole life in and out should ever have of hospitals due to chronic lung disease, asthma and pneumoniae has struggled to worry about without health care. Without any re- getting access sources or health care my daughter’s future is uncertain. Right now She’s on to affordable oxygen and a BPAP machine. This needs to happen now, for my daughter and for Erin, New Fairfield, CT healthcare for all those like her that fight daily for their My second child was born with an at- her children. survival. tached frenulum – meaning that he – Mariamee, Miami, FL couldn’t effectively nurse or drink from George, a bottle. Without a well-baby visit to Fort Lauderdale, FL the pediatrician (covered at 100%) to diagnose the issue and a subsequent visit to an ENT specialist for a frenec- tomy (covered at 60%) my baby may When I worked for a large mulit-national not have thrived to become the happy, company we had great insurance for a healthy, joyful child he is today. low monthly cost. I didn’t realize why people who had insurance were com- DELAWARE plaining about coverage and cost until I lost my job and our health insurance I was only 19 when I was pregnant with coverage comes from my husband’s job my daughter. A single mom trying to at a small independent school. We pay make it on her own. Concerned about 4x more in our monthly premiums now my future but most of all about my and have barely any coverage. daughters needs. Christie, My daughter is deaf and uses cochlear One of the things that worried me the Defuniak Springs, FL most was how I could afford health care implants to hear, but our insurance cov- I grew up without insurance. Every on a $7.50 an hour job. I was a teach- erage excludes all cochlear implant ser- time one of us was sick was a time of ers assistant at a daycare center where vices. She also has cerebral palsy and great worry; not just for our recovery I was blessed to have been given a job our insurance excludes most therapy but for the eternal “how are we going through some difficult times. Yet we had for chronic conditions, but when it does to pay for the doctor?” And the medi- no health care so I had to rely on Med- cover therapy costs it only covers 60 con- cines were so expensive for us...maybe icaid. It was another great blessing and secutive days. That leaves her with 10 $100 for an antibiotic that didn’t work I didn’t feel so bad knowing my taxes months/year without any therapy cover- wasn’t much for some families, but for where helping me contribute towards it age. Without Medicaid as her secondary ours it was near disaster. It meant our for me and others like myself. Although insurance, she would not be able to get savings account dwindling down to expensive, we now have great coverage the services she needs to become a con- nothing yet again, my parents having through my husband’s policy but others tributing member of society. to max out their credit cards, bills be- are not as fortunate. We have primary insurance, but it ing paid late, and sometimes even trips – Ivette, Newark, DE doesn’t cover what we need. I think to the pawn shop.

MomsRising.org 5 Not having insurance meant that we machine. This needs to happen now, for that was just as frightening for me? didn’t go to the dentist unless we my daughter and for all those like her Being an unemployed single mom, at- needed a tooth pulled. As an adult I am that fight daily for their survival. tempting to start a business, and wor- still suffering from the effects of that; – Mariamee, Miami, FL rying about how I would pay the medi- a jaw-misalignment and a tooth grind- cal bills if I had to rush my girl to the ing condition went undiagnosed until I My son was a big baby. So much so that hospital. was an adult with a terrible abscess. I after his birth my upper belly was still Thankfully, I was able to get her insured have since had to have so many teeth distended. When I went to the doctor through the CHIP. This critical program removed (a very expensive procedure) with a sore throat, she mentioned that I provides health insurance for children due to those conditions that I have to might have a hernia. When I tried to get of low- to- moderate income families chew with my front teeth and people private insurance a month later I was like mine. look at me and think I must be on meth denied due to this note on her report. or something. Thanks to Obama, there was a law in My husband is a disabled veteran, cov- Worst of all for me personally, I have Michigan that if denied private insurance ered by the VA for his insurance. I am suffered from depression and anxiety due to a pre existing condition, one could an LPN, the sole breadwinner and I am since I was a small child. My parents purchase health insurance in Michigan also in school full-time to get my RN. I knew something was terribly wrong under a state plan. just lost my employer’s health insurance when I wanted to die at the age of 7. Thanks to Obamacare - no one has to suf- because I can’t work enough hours while But they had no way on earth of pay- fer without insurance due to one doctor’s going to school to meet the minimum for ing a child psychologist or psychiatrist comment in passing. health coverage. or getting me any kind of mental help at all. – Rebecca, Miami, FL I recently applied for the ACA and I was approved for good coverage for $37 a I had to grow up in a nightmarish world month. I am so thankful for the ACA. of my mind’s creating, often friendless, Our daughter is covered by Medicaid be- bullied for being different. I finally had a nervous breakdown in college and cause our family income is so low. have never been the same. I can’t hold – Deanna, New Port Richey, FL down a job, I can’t take a college class without almost ending up in the hospi- As a physician assistant for 25 years, I tal (I’ve been hospitalized twice now), know that people without health insur- and even just being a housewife and ance tend to die earlier than folks with mother is incredibly stressful to me. insurance – they don’t get the preventa- Every day I think of suicide. I would tive screenings and interventions that not be alive today if it had not been for insurance as in the A.C.A. provides. my husband’s insurance from his job, – William, Tallahassee, FL which lets me get the treatment I have to have. Sili, Orlando, FL Even with insurance, my family now When my daughter was 19 months old, barely squeaks by, but without it, it she had a sudden seizure and fell back- would be impossible. We would have to wards while I was giving her a bath. I sell our house and move in with my par- was alone with her and couldn’t leave ents or something. My point is, insur- her to dial 911, so I rushed out of my ance is a powerful thing that has been house calling for help, clutching my na- denied to so many, with consequences ked child who was seizing in my arms. ranging from mild inconvenience for Fortunately, my next-door neighbors the healthy to life-changing devasta- were home and I fell to my knees and tion for those who truly need it. placed my child on the floor and prayed as they called for an ambulance. Her To my daughter and I health care is im- lips were already turning blue. She perative for survival. My daughter who is stopped seizing shortly thereafter and 22 and has lived her whole life in and out was unconscious for the next 35 min- Alexis, New Port Richey, FL of hospitals due to chronic lung disease, utes. My family is greatly impacted in a posi- asthma and pneumoniae has struggled She was diagnosed with febrile sei- tive way by the Affordable Care Act. without health care. Without any re- zures that day. She has had five other With 2 women in the family, we don’t sources or health care my daughter’s fu- seizures since, each brought on by have to pay different rates than the two ture is uncertain. moderate fevers. Each one was just as men. Our children who are in college Right now She’s on oxygen and a BPAP frightening as the first. Another thing (22 and 19) are allowed to stay on our

6 MomsRising.org plan. It has made birth control acces- It took all of our savings and retirement GEORGIA sible to our daughter at no cost. In 2017 to make it through that medical debacle. it will allow our family to have medical When the ACA was signed into law, I was When it came back, he had ACA, which able to get health insurance for the first coverage at a reasonable price ($198 allowed us to get excellent medical per month) that we would not other- time in my adult life. I worked in the ser- help, and not to end up totally broke vice industry at the time, and neither of wise be able to obtain. In addition to again. With his medical insurance and the affordability, everyone in the fam- my employers offered benefits. Now I’m the medicare, we didn’t have the night- a mother and I have to make sure my ily is guaranteed coverage even though mares we had originally. baby is covered. we will be changing our insurance com- pany/plan and have pre-existing condi- – Lora, Fort Lauderdale, FL – Cassandra, Stone Mountain, GA tions. Without the ACA, we’d be denied coverage and it would be impossible/ People must know that they have health insurance. Without it it can lead to financial I work in a group home that serves children difficult to obtain due to lack of em- in foster care. These children and youth ruin. I have medicare and was only in the ployment. rely on Medicaid for all of their medical hospital for 30 hours. My bill was $45,000. My husband suffered a stroke in 2013 and dental needs as well as for their medi- but eventually returned to work. In Oc- – Jeffrey, Lake Worth, FL cations. Shifting these costs to the state tober of 2015 he was laid-off from his will only mean that other vital services for job as a computer programmer for a My daughter was unable to get insurance these children will have to be cut. coverage because of a pre-existing con- major U.S. bank without any warning. – Catherine, Forsyth, GA He was one of 300 people who lost their dition and thanks to the affordable care job that day. Meanwhile, he suffered act she got her insurance to cover her. some side effects from the stroke and – Margarita, Mount Dora, FL wasn’t able to look for a new job mak- HAWAII ing him in-eligible for unemployment Before the Affordable care act, I pur- My grandchild was born with an overly or any benefits. chased insurance for my family to cover fast heartbeat (tachycardia). Had my daughter not had Medicaid, we could He filed for Social Security Disability in us while I went back to school for my not have corrected this condition, and November of 2015 and was approved Masters. I thought I was purchasing a instead of outgrowing this defect with in July of 2016. Medicare is not avail- high deductible catastrophic policy, but the help of appropriate medication, my able until 24 months after approval. found out only later after my son had to granddaughter would have been con- Upon his 10 week severance package have an emergency appendectomy that demned to a life-long heart condition from the bank ending, we couldn’t af- there was a 2,000 cap on it. The same and an undoubtedly short life. ford to lose our medical, dental and vi- month before we even received the bad sion benefits so we opted for COBRA. news about our policy, we got another – Virginia, Honolulu, HI The cost has been $1,678.69 medical; denial for coverage for my 4 year old $126.69 Dental; $19.29 Vision for a total daughter’s surgical procedure to fix her I’m 80 year old, Korean War veteran. Yes, of $1,824.67 per month. In the mean- kidney reflux. both my wife, Helen, and I are covered time, we had no income and numerous They denied it saying that her frequent under Medicare and Kaiser-Perman- expenses. urinary infections in the past couple of ente Health Care, so we are assured to get coverage when we need it. But, our You don’t receive any payment from months before showed it was a preexist- concern has been that costs of treat- disability until they determine if you’re ing condition, and not only got out of pay- ment and prescription drugs/medicine approved. Upon approval, they reim- ing for the surgery, but refused to pay for any further pediatrician visits which were have been going higher and higher. And, burse you for any money owed after we’ve been having a hard time in paying the first 5 months of the process. They due to her bladder problems. I was so happy when the affordable care act was on our limited fixed income. Now, with don’t pay you for being disabled dur- the passage of the Health Care Law, I ing that time. Our income went from passed because I knew that no other fam- ily would ever have to go through this. can sleep better at night, knowing that $100,000 annually to $0. We now re- we’d get coverage of our pre-existing ail- ceive $2,396 per month from disability. – Amy, Naples, FL ments. In fact, we foresee the costs of I’m looking for employment but pres- treatment and medication to slow down ently don’t have access to any type of It gave us peace of mind when I was and stabilize eventually. employee benefits or income. The ACA able to keep my children, who were is a lifeline to our family. Without it and young adults, on my employer’s group – Edgar, Honolulu, HI its benefits, our family will suffer great- health insurance policy. It was afford- ly. It is essential the ACA remains in tact able as my children got enough work or improved upon. experience to get jobs which provided IDAHO them with their own employer health I have been a special education teach- insurance. When my husband first got throat can- er for 8 years and a regular classroom cer, we had very poor health coverage. – Anita, Port Richey, FL teacher for 12 years. I also stayed home

MomsRising.org 7 for 10 years to care for my mother-inlaw, Our now 23-year old son was born with dured 3 hospitalizations along with nu- who had Alzheimer’s. We tried Assisted significant health problems that have merous doctor visits that we paid out Living Facilities, but she was filthy, over- followed him throughout his life: asth- of pocket. We’re fortunate we avoided weight, and on 10 medications. I quit my ma, “clubbed” foot (multiple surgeries), bankruptcy, as my brother was forced job to care for her, but needed the Med- tracheal myalgia. In the past three years to. icaid she received to help. he’s had kidney stones and a gall blad- He was a small business owner and der removed. – Diane, Boise, ID couldn’t afford coverage when his wife I’m elated that we can keep him on our had gallbladder surgery and associated group insurance (although it’s 30/70 complications. His son suffered and split with a $3000 deductible costing was treated for a benign brain tumor. $1098/mo.) because we can get the care Both of our families have benefited he needs. We are also pleased that when from the Affordable Care Act. he ages out of our policy at 26 his pre- exisiting conditions won’t preclude his ability to obtain insurance. – Lenore, Idaho Falls, ID INDIANA

Sara, Hailey, ID ILLINOIS In many ways, poor health coverage led to my mom’s death in 2010. We can’t allow our nation to go back to these pre-ACA days. Our family budget was stretched to the max to pay the premi- ums for “catastrophic coverage” and a $13,000 deductible. This meant that when it was clear my mom needed to go to the doctor, she didn’t go because we couldn’t afford the copay and she feared that her premiums would skyrocket if she actually used her insurance. When she eventually visited a doctor, she was diagnosed with cancer that Jenny, Chicago, IL could have been easily prevented if she I am a single mother working full time. had received medical care at the first My daughter receives Medicaid. This is signs she needed it. the only health insurance I can afford. Up until last month, I was purchasing my When she needed cancer treatment, health insurance on the marketplace. It her extremely poor health coverage Rachel, Warsaw, IN cost me $300 a month, and my employ- presented endless barriers to obtaining er contributed less than a third to this My daughter who is four years old with high-quality treatment, from the high amount. It is nearly impossible to afford Pierre Robin Sequence and tracheoma- deductible, high co-insurance rates, health coverage in this country. I was lacia has benefited from the affordable and caps on hospital stays – to the re- working in the healthcare industry my- care act. She is allowed on our private peated denial of the “medical neces- self, and I still could not afford my own insurance due to no maximum benefit. sity” of cancer treatments. It was infu- family’s healthcare! This has helped pay for her multiple riating and devastating and meant that hospitalizations, multiple surgeries, her cancer returned three times, each home supplies, ventilators, and so on. time harder to treat and survive. She is also on Medicaid to help cover This past spring, I was diagnosed with what our private insurance does not thyroid cancer at age 27 and needed cover such as nursing services. Without surgery to remove my thyroid and 50 nursing services she would not be alive lymph nodes. Now that I have a pre- today because there is no way that I existing condition, along with 27% of can stay up 247 to watch her. adult Americans under 65, I know that we can’t let America go back to the She has coded multiple times and my days of lifetime caps and high-cost or Susan, Chatham, IL nurse has saved her life multiple times. denial of coverage for those with pre- My husband has Crohns and was denied Please her life is so important to my existing conditions. health insurance for 5 years. He en- whole family and extending family.

8 MomsRising.org Little side note she is the smartest kid private insurance through my hus- gibility requirements, thereby compro- in her class per her teacher. Please help band’s employer, the bills added up mising access to quality care for those her stay alive. quickly. Besides deductibles and co- 73 million Americans. That would be a pays, there were many expenses insur- disaster. ance didn’t cover: medical equipment and supplies, high-tier medications, I am a low income epileptic who strug- out-of-network specialists, therapies, gled for years to control my seizures. incontinence supplies, specialized This was not because my case was such feeding supplies, travel, and more. Our a difficult one but because I had no in- out-of-pocket costs were spiraling with surance and could not afford to see a no end in sight. We even took out a specialist or get more than one or two of home equity line of credit, all the while the specialized tests needed for my con- fast approaching the lifetime cap on dition. I could not even afford the regu- medical expenses imposed by our pri- lar blood tests needed to determine the vate insurance. dosing of my medication and suffered Then came the Affordable Care Act – for years with ineffective medication I covering 28 million Americans who couldn’t really afford because of it. were previously without health insur- Cyndi, Bloomington, IN This made it impossible for me to work, ance. We were so grateful not only for drive, or otherwise live independently. I come from a background of genera- all those Americans gaining peace of Recently I was able to get Medicaid tional poverty in the hills of southern mind, but for the peace of mind we through the Affordable Care Act and Indiana. I don’t recall going to the doc- had knowing that lifetime caps had now have been able to see a neurologist tor growing up, so it was a good thing I been eliminated. Of course there was and get the testing I needed to make my was generally healthy besides the occa- still the issue of our mounding medical medication effective. It also made that sional cold. I worked hard throughout debt. But then in 2015 after being on a medication affordable and now I am liv- school and was awarded numerous col- waiting list since birth, my then-8-year- ing independently and working on get- lege scholarships – becoming the first old daughter became eligible for the ting a job and to the point where I can person on either side of the family to Medicaid waiver in the state of Indiana, drive. Without my Medicaid there is no earn a degree. I went on to work as a effectively rendering her eligible for way I could afford this medication and math teacher in Indiana for years and Medicaid Disability. medical care and would be worse off even earned a masters, but later, when than before. I started a family and discovered prena- Medicaid now covers much of what pri- tally that I was going to have a baby girl vate insurance does not, and while the – Genevieve, Valparaiso, IN with Down syndrome, my life changed system is still far from perfect (we still dramatically. incur hundreds of dollars of uncovered As a person in my sixties and originally medical expenses each month), it has on the individual market being in the It became clear shortly after she was meant a much brighter financial future marketplace has allowed me to feel con- born that to coordinate her medical for my family. fident that if I get sick the private provid- care I would need to to be a stay-at- ers won’t inflate my premiums so that home mom. Virtually overnight, we We have paid off most of our medical they will not be payable. went from being a two-income family debt and have even begun saving for with no medical expenses to a one-in- college for my other 2 children. If the – Catherine, Bloomingdale, IN come family with astronomical medi- ACA provisions are repealed. Americans cal expenses. I remember standing at like the pre-existing condition piece the For 40 years, I’ve been a registered the mailbox with my tiny baby (still removal of lifetime caps, and the abil- nurse. No other health care issue affect- under 10 pounds at 11-months-old!) ity to retain a child on their policy until ed my practice like the ability to have cradled in my arms and opening an age 26. access to care. As a psychiatric nurse, I envelope from the children’s hospi- And finally funding Medicaid using a saw devastating impact on youth, post- tal with a bill inside for $64,00 – more block grant model cannot be an op- partum women and young adults who than my husband’s annual salary – for tion. Medicaid covers nearly 73 million once diagnosed with treatable mental merely “”renting”” the surgical room people across the U.S. including low- health or substance disorders, lose their and equipment used during her heart income children, expecting mothers, insurance coverage. I also worked with surgery the month before. I fought persons with disabilities, and others. 100s who in their middle years quit jobs back tears as I tried to wrap my mind Imposing artificial caps on the Medic- to care for elders and then succumb to around it – recognizing that more bills aid program would put all of them at illness. would soon arrive in my mailbox for the risk, my daughter included. With block It is unconsciousable still how many hospital stay, surgeon’s fees, and more. grants, states would be forced to fur- caregivers go without any health care Then it hit me: This was our new reality. ther reduce already dismal Medicaid coverage of their own. In 2009 lost my Over the next several years even with reimbursement rates and restrict eli- job and then within a year could not af-

MomsRising.org 9 ford COBRA I postponed certain medical My family has greatly benefited from the for more extensive mental health treat- treatment and a surgery. In retrospect Affordable Care Act. 1. My father was a ment and/or hospitalization later in life. it’s clear these decisions were not my union carpenter his entire career. When Research shows that earlier intervention best and my health stamina and my he retired, he opted for the cobra ins in childhood reduces mental disorders abort to work full time was affected. coverage but this still ran out before in adulthood and saves both money and Eventually ACA was available which sig- Medicare started. My mother and he had improves their ability to lead productive nificantly changed my circumstances. an extremely difficult time getting any and healthier lives. The Medicaid expansion was essential ins co to take them on. They had no big – Mary, Wichita, KS for my son and his treatment of depres- health concerns either. sion. It is humane and part of decent so- It was very scary. The amount of money ciety to continue the ACA. These are just that they had to pay out of pocket was a few of my thoughts. huge and I can’t imagine most people – Donna, RN, Greenwood, IN being able to afford it. 2. My brothers are also union carpenters. If they are laid off in the winter, they may not get enough work quarters to qualify for ins. IOWA This was very scary as my older brother As a middle aged woman, I went with- has children at home that needed cov- out health insurance for 8 years before ered. 3. My stepdaughters are in college. the ACA was enacted. It was a bless- When they graduate, we are worried ing and necessity. The only changes about their ability to qualify for health it needs are improvement to make it ins. With coverage to children up to stronger and broader, perhaps a single 26yo, this has been a relief to us. payer system. These are NORMAL EVERYDAY occurrenc- – Cindy, Des Moines, IA es for NORMAL EVERYDAY Americans and it has impacted (0r will impact) my fam- Medicare is my only insurance. I’m not ily in many, many ways. 65 year so I can’t afford supplemental – Andrew, Preston, IA insurance (for which I can thank Gov. Branstad because he refused the Med- Dot, Norton, KS icaid expansion from the ACA). With- When I was younger I went many years out Medicare, I will die because I need with no insurance and hoped for the a defibrillator. It’s been 15 years since KANSAS best. On minimum wage employment the heart attack that killed me, and my My husband and I have both been there was no way I could afford to buy health has been deteriorating for the through cancer. Without affordable insurance and pay the “survival” bills, past couple of years. I’m supposed to be health care we would probably be dead. such as rent, utilities and food. As a scheduled after the New Year. I had to result I did not seek medical care until have a melanoma removed from my face – Jackie, Overland Park, KS the situation became serious. last June. I don’t know what else to do. With a major illness in the family and the A fairly minor injury to my leg seemed – Pat, Iowa Falls, IA need to stay healthy for all of us, the ACA manageable without a doctor’s atten- has made healthcare easier and within tion so I saved the cost of an office vis- My husband and I have two children, our means. Healthcare costs for a major it, which had to be paid for in advance, 12 years apart. And our son, who is the illness are astronomical and, without since I was uninsured. However, in eldest, graduated from college. Even the ACA and charitable agencies, we short order the wound became septic though he’s living in the Twin Cities, would not survive or have our home and then began spreading up the leg and I which is one of the better job markets general health. had no choice but to seek care. in this country, he still has not landed I was lucky to find an emergency “clin- a full-time job, let alone a ‘career’ posi- – Meredith, Lawrence, KS ic” which was much less expensive tion. I have worked in both community men- than a hospital ER and did not require Thank God for the Affordable Care Act! tal health centers and in my own private pre-payment so I was treated. I still Because of it, Isaac continues to have practice for many years and the CHIP have a scar on the leg from the de- health insurance coverage under our program helps lots of kids whose fam- struction the infection caused. policy. As he struggles to pay bills, make ily members make too much money to Had I been insured or had otherwise his first student loan payments, and qualify for Medicaid but make too little affordable health care at the time, I learn to live on his own, it’s one less wor- to afford purchasing their own insur- would have sought treatment earlier ry we all have. ance. Helping children with emotional and perhaps avoided much of the pain – Cherie, Elliott, IA disorders early in life lessens the need and cost.

10 MomsRising.org KENTUCKY preexisting condition. Under the ACA, us to stay living in our home and living I have been able to receive excellent our lives. And it has placed me in a posi- I am a pediatric physical therapist and health care, with my choice of doctors tion to help others now. I pay it forward. have served many children who have and treatments. It would be devastating I still have medical debts accumulate but Medicaid. Without Medicaid these chil- for me and my family if I was again ex- I manage. I am on Medicare, now. I want dren would not have had access to in- cluded from health insurance, or had to to hang on to that as well. I’ve been pay- vestments in medicaid strengthen our pay premiums and deductibles so high ing into the system my whole working life. economy Study from the National Bu- as to render them unaffordable (I typi- Less wealthy countries take care of their reau of Economic Research http://www. cally need between $8,000-$10,000 per citizens’ health care needs. So can we. nber.org/papers/w20835 children who year in medicines and treatments). – Nancy, Searsmont, ME are covered by medicaid receive a boost – Mandy, New Orleans, LA in their future earnings in return, they As a sole proprietor business in Washington pay more taxes & pump more money County Maine I am dependent upon the back into the economy MomsRising.org ACA to buy affordable health care. It is the 7 basic medical care or therapy services. MAINE ONLY way I can afford it. Eliminating or in- Through Medicaid I was able to order I have been a self employed farmer and creasing the cost or giving even more con- wheelchairs, standers and other devices craftsperson all my life. My husband and trol over to the insurers means that 1000’s to help children develop and make their I never had health insurance until the of folks will be without coverage. This is bad parents’ lives easier. ACA. We never knew that people with health insurance got much more thor- for them. And bad for overall health care I never dreamed of the day that I would ough check ups than we did without in- costs because all care ends up back in the personally use Medicaid services for surance. Even the way you are treated at Emergency Rooms. Our rural hospitals sus- my own child. My daughter was admit- the reception desk of a doctor’s office is tainability will suffer even more. ted to the hospital when she was 9 days better when you have insurance. Insur- – Sarah, Robbinston, ME old with RSV and we spent 1 week at ance through the ACA has been very af- the hospital, and while we had private fordable and very good. insurance we were unable to cover the MARYLAND remaining costs of her care. Our lo- – Carol, Cherryfield, ME cal hospital encouraged us to apply for I’m the proud mother of two wonderful Medicaid to cover the remainder of the Before I had affordable coverage when I boys with bright futures. Unfortunately, costs. To our surprise she qualified and had an MS episode I paid for my care, if I one of my sons has a serious pre-existing it appears that they will be covering the got any, which I couldn’t afford. I carry debt condition: cystic fibrosis. For him, access remainder of her expenses. from my last episode that I sought care for. to health care is the key to that bright With affordable care I am not afraid to see future. Parents of children with pre- – Gina, Lexington, KY my neurologist or afraid of the cost of my existing conditions have to act today to care. Its a relief and a nice feeling. protect our kids’ futures. I have heard Being a single parent of two wonderful – Elizabeth, Gray, ME about the tremendous challenges faced kids, medical coverage would be out the by young adults with cystic fibrosis in question for my kids. My place of em- finding health insurance. Young adults ployment doesn’t offer medical insur- When I was diagnosed with another breast cancer in 2011, I discovered that with cystic fibrosis are often denied in- ance unless you are an full time employ- the expensive health insurance I had surance coverage and also face barriers ee. The payment for the insurance would been paying for every month, was go- in their careers as they make work and take most of my check just to have it all ing to leave me with 100s of thousands life choices that are dictated by a limited with the co-pay payments for each vis- of dollars of medical debts for that year, set of health care options. That’s not the its. I have another job that doesn’t offer alone. I wept over the burden my illness future I want for my son. medical insurance at all. Without Med- was placing on me and my husband, af- – Christine, Chevy Chase, MD icaid, me and my children wouldn’t be ter we had climbed out of my medical able to have the medical attention that debt so often before. I am lucky to have excellent health care is needed in case of injury and everyday insurance, but that is only because I am well child check ups. Medicaid is needed I was able to switch to a better carrier, married to a man who runs his own busi- in my households for us to be able to only because of the rules of the Afford- ness & has a group plan. Otherwise, no productive citizens. able Health Care Act, which prevented insurance companies from rejecting me insurance company would ever touch – Rolanda, Lexington, KY for pre-existing conditions. As it was, I still me. I’ve had a chronic illness (Crohn’s had $17,000 in debt, which was largely disease) my entire adult life (diagnosed taken care of by an incredible group fun- at age 17). LOUISIANA draiser. Being able to switch to better in- When I was 43, I was diagnosed with I have chronic migraines. Prior to the surance coverage lifted a huge weight of stage III rectal cancer. I never could have ACA, I was turned down for health in- stress from our shoulders, which I am sure afforded the treatment I received that surance by multiple companies for this helped me in my recovery. It has helped ultimately saved my life & allows me

MomsRising.org 11 to watch my children grow up. As I ap- employees, am a single mom and hence depending on. It is a matter of life and proach my 50th birthday I am aware that the manager of my family. I would not death for millions like my son. it’s not just about me – the fact that I be able to keep up without it. Losing – Annette, Westland, MI personally am fortunate enough. I can’t my insurance would require me to com- live with myself to think that others like promise my health, my livelihood and me are left to die. That’s not the America my ability to parent. I can’t see how I want to live in. that would be worth it! We need to support each other in funda- mental ways and to me affordable health care is not a privilege of being an Ameri- can citizen but a right. I am willing to pay more to help others less fortunate. – Jennifer, Chevy Chase, MD

MASSACHUSETTS

Deirdre, Saginaw, MI Laura, Boston, MA I have had cancer twice as a 32 year I am putting my husband through col- old single mom. Once thyroid and once lege and my employer is a small insti- cervical. Without the affordable health tute that does not offer health insur- care act I would be uninsurable. I would ance. Without affordable options on not have survived my last fight with the exchange, I don’t know what we cancer and my son would be on his own would do to get covered. We need the at 10 years old. ACA to ensure we can find a plan that AnnMarie fits our budget and lifestyle. Health- My son was suffering from severe depres- Belchertown, MA care is a right, not a privilege, and is needed for a prosperous economy and sion and drug addiction. The expanded My daughter, Gracie was born prema- communities. medicaid program in Michigan allowed turely at 26.6 weeks for unknown rea- him to see a doctor and start treatment. sons. Due to her prematurity, she spent It gave him the dignity to seek help. Med- 68 days in the NICU with premature MICHIGAN icaid actually lifts people out of poverty. lungs, 2 heart conditions, brain bleeds, My youngest son is a type 1 diabetic and – Karen, Marquette, MI jaundice and an infection. We fed her his medication is covered under state breast milk one cc at a time. By some funded Medicaid because I don’t make miracle, she is now 7 years old and enough money because I work part- healthy! MINNESOTA time. I work only part-time (it’s all I’m able to However, due to her pre-existing con- Without Medicaid coverage it would be manage) so do not get coverage through dition, she could lose her health insur- an extreme hardship for me to try to pay work. Due to a number of health issues ance as she would likely have already for his medication and his diabetic sup- I’ve had most of my life, I would not used up her lifetime cap on benefits. plies. I am a hard working mother and I be able to get necessary prescriptions I too have a chronic illness Crohn’s dis- am truly offended that Congress and the filled, or even regular checkups without ease. I never know when it will flare president-elect would try to take away affordable coverage. up. I take an injected biologic medicine healthcare for young people and hard- – Diana, St. Paul, MN weekly to try to keep it (and the subse- working families. quent other autoimmune diseases that I wish they could understand that this After years of being uninsured, I finally come with Crohn’s: psoriasis, arthritis, would be a financial blow to others who have health insurance again. You see, iritis, etc.) in check. This medicine costs depend on the ACA and other provisions I had a stroke 11 years ago, and even over $1,000 an injection. There is no that help those in need. Maybe they need though I fully recovered very quickly and way I could pay for it on my own. to concentrate on lowering medical sup- removed the only risk factor I had, I have I manage a thriving department full of plies and medicines that individuals are been unable to get health insurance

12 MomsRising.org since losing my job in 2004. Not every- MISSOURI Here we are almost 20 years later. My son one has access, even well-paid jobs of- spent 4 years on dialysis, has had more ten no longer include health insurance, I am a senior citizen who needs thirteen than 20 surgeries and countless painful and with a pre-existing condition it’s vir- critical medications a month, several procedures in that time. He received a tually impossible to get insurance. very expensive. Without the AFA provi- kidney transplant when he was 5 years sion that gives those of us in the Medi- old and it’s still going strong almost 15 As it is, I’m not eligible for any form of dis- care “donut hole” a discount on the re- ability or long-term care insurance, but at years later. The reason it is going strong tail price, I would not be able to afford is because he has insurance! least now I can go to the doctor without them thereby endangering my health. worrying about how I will pay for it. And there are many others just like me A transplant is NOT a cure. If you can’t – Dayna, Richfield, MN who would have to make a difficult afford the anti-rejection drugs, you lose choice – food and rent or medications. the organ and you end up back on dialy- sis, or dead. My son also has autism (he – Carol, Grover, MO MISSISSIPPI is toward the mild end of the spectrum) and has developmental and learning My daughter was born at 32 weeks fol- My husband, a wounded Vietnam vet, delays, so even though he is almost 20 lowing a car accident where we took the just began receiving treatment through years old, he is unable to have gainful blunt of the impact. After an emergency the VA system for the long term effects employment. Because of health care re- C-section the hospital staff lost her for of Agent Orange exposure (he sprayed it) form, we can keep him on our insurance 18 minutes but managed to get her back. and PTSD. until he is 26 years old. He does qualify She could not breath on her own for over Because he waited so long to get help, for SSI and Medicaid now, but I know a month and remained in NICU for a to- his health problems are highly complex having him on our private insurance tal of two months. We brought her home and difficult to treat. In addition, his war (which costs us over $600 a month and on a sleep apnea monitor but no feeding injury has caused deterioration of his my husband’s employer pays more than tube due to a determination to get her knee joint and he will need a replace- toward the premium) helps to keep Med- drinking. At three months old she was di- ment. Back surgery for a ruptured disk icaid from having to spend so much on agnosed with severe Cerebral Palsy and cost about $100,000.00 We couldn’t pos- his care. We don’t make a lot of money, Cortical blindness. She gained sight. sibly afford this without insurance and we don’t have savings. She’s 8 now and is non-verbal (although the V My husband works hard at his job so she ‘speaks’ volumes), is wheelchair – Kristin, Joplin, MO we can have a place to live and food to dependent and wears AFO’s and hand eat....AND insurance. Because of health splints. She has limited use of her right care reform, I am relieved that my son hand and none of her left. MS Medicaid MONTANA will be able to have some kind of health has stopped her speech therapy due care coverage and not be denied due to Without the medicaid expansion I’d have to ‘lack of progress’ Her equine (HIPO) preexisting conditions. therapy has been terminated. NO insurance at all as I’m diabetic and according to insurance agents, un-insur- – Shelly, Belgrade, MT Now she is on a new seizure medication able. that there always seems to be a problem I have a friend who is disabled with a – Wm, Whitefish, MT filling. Don’t get me wrong – my husband very limited income. Until the ACA, he and I appreciate her Medicaid but she couldn’t afford eye glasses, he needed We are one of the lucky ones that have needs so much more that they will not eye surgery and dental surgery. He suf- been able to have health insurance since pay for. fered from serious pain in his back. my husband and I got married in 1991. – Stacy, Byram, MS Once he was covered by Medicaid in this It has been vital to our family. In 1992, state, he was able to have eye surgery, we were expecting our first child. At 30 get glasses, have his dental surgery and Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, my weeks we learned that our son would get dentures, and begin pain manage- 50-year-old daughter, who is a small be born with kidney failure and prob- ment for his back. He is a new man. He business owner, is able to buy health in- ably would have lungs too small to sus- is bright, happy, motivated, looking for surance for the first time. 42 years is an tain life. Somehow my son survived. He work...The ACA changed his life for the awfully long time to be without medical spent 2 weeks in the acute NICU and better. I could tell many other such sto- insurance. It has put a strain on the en- another 4 or 5 weeks on the pediatric ries, because I work in healthcare, but tire family, wondering when we were all floor. Even after he was born alive and this one is the most personal. going to be responsible for paying for a able to breathe on his own, we were told major medical event. Ultimately what that we shouldn’t treat him. He would – Janette, Butte, MT it has meant is that, although she has never grow, never learn, never develop. worked since she was 18, she has gone We moved him to another hospital. The If it wasn’t for my military service & the without proper medical care all those only reason we were even able to have a Veterans Administration, I would prob- years. choice about hospitals was that my son ably already be dead. I am a brittle dia- – Lyn, Oxford, MS qualified for SSI and Medicaid. betic & need medication every day. Be-

MomsRising.org 13 ing a disabled vet, I could never afford My father entered a nursing home about that program. I work part time so am not this myself. I think health care reform, four years ago. He was losing his sight, had eligible through an employer. Therefore like the Affordable Care Act, is a posi- mobility problems and was showing signs this issue is of utmost importance to me. tive thing for the many underpriviliged of dementia. He had very little money set – Marilyn, Reno, NV people that cannot afford medical care aside and had just household belongings. on their own. My brother had rescued the farm from fore- closure twenty years before and my father – Michael, Great Falls, MT had lived on the farm. The house was liter- ally falling apart and would have been con- I have a friend who is disabled with a demned for living purposes if it had been very limited income. Until the ACA, he inspected. couldn’t afford eye glasses, he needed eye surgery and dental surgery. He suf- The first two years he lived in an assisted fered from serious pain in his back. Once living part of the home but as the dementia he was covered by Medicaid in this state, increased he had to go to the nursing home. he was able to have eye surgery, get No, he wasn’t completely happy there but glasses, have his dental surgery and get neither was he when he had stayed with ei- dentures, and begin pain management ther of his children. I underwent back sur- for his back. gery and a couple of other surgeries while my father was receiving Medicaid housing. He is a new man. He is bright, happy, My husband would not have been able to motivated, looking for work...The ACA Christine, Las Vegas, NV take care of both us. Without Medicaid I’m changed his life for the better. I could tell I had to quit my job to care for my not sure how my father’s life would have many other such stories, because I work Mother in her last years. I lost my em- ended. A year ago he died in a hospice bed in healthcare, but this one is the most ployee insurance. Without the Afford- in a hospital. I am concerned about those able Healthcare Act, I would NOT have personal. in similar situations today and tomorrow. been able to afford health care. – Janette, Butte, MT The rising costs of medical care and the lack of assistance for people in small com- Now I am lucky and do not suffer from munities are causes of concern for people any health issues, but life brings many NEBRASKA living there. surprises and I want to be prepared. Ev- eryone needs to be prepared. Everyone When I was 19 and in college I got sick. After – Connie, Norfolk, NE deserves health coverage! several ER trips I had a late night surgery and was diagnosed with endometriosis. Working full time, going through treat- NEVADA After retiring, I found that I could not ments, and medication was too much in it- get health insurance for my wife and my self, let alone school. I quit college and lost health insurance contained a rider that my insurance. If the ACA was around then would invalidate my coverage in any my life would be so different. I continued emergency that even mentioned the getting worse. Uninsured I still continued subject of that rider. seeking care. I ended up having a hysterec- tomy. By that time I was $60k in debt and The Affordable Care Act changed all of filed bankruptcy at 22. that and gave us security from losing everything we had worked for in a cata- Still sick I moved to Mississippi after Ka- strophic illness or accident. trina to find a job with insurance. I did and I thrived financially. I was diagnosed – James, Reno, NV with interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia, pel- Janice, Las Vegas, NV vic congestion and a few other things. I spent almost 4 years there before I came Like tens of millions of other women, home to Nebraska. I needed my family the ACA means I don’t have to pay NEW HAMPSHIRE and friends around to support me. When anything for my annual flu shot, Pap ACA has given myself and my children I moved home in ‘09 things changed, my smear, mammogram or gynecological healthcare when we could not get it body changed. I had no insurance again. In exam. That’s huge to me, and it has through an employer and my child’s father ‘13 I had my second positive ana. I have un- helped keep me healthy. could no longer afford to carry her on his known autoimmune diseases. I worked full plan. time some times two jobs to survive. Pay If not for Affordable Healthcare cover- – Joanna, Londonderry, NH for medical expenses and survive. Over the age here in NV, I would not be able to last 2 years I’ve gotten much worse. have health insurance. My husband has It saved me when I needed it most. I had a – Amanda, Lincoln, NE Medicare but I am 62 so too young for host of health issues and had lost my job

14 MomsRising.org because I was in the hospital so much. I still have a sister. and under Affordable Care he has been would be homeless without it. Don’t get able to receive improved and higher There are so many stories like this, rid of it. and sadly, I might become one of quality treatment. his cancer is now in remission. – Susan, Hanover, NH them. My thyroid disease could easily be labeled a “preexisting condition” Two other adult children and their fami- and a medication I need to function lies receive medical care under Afford- NEW JERSEY could be denied me because I’ve had able Care with greater access to quality it for years. I’m scared, sad, frustrat- care at a lower cost. ed, and angry. – Sharon, New Baltimore, NY

NEW MEXICO A few years ago, before the Affordable Health Care Act, my husband’s employer When my corporate job ended due to a was planning on changing companies, chronic injury from a car accident, I was so he sent in one month, instead of only able to get one policy, $400 a month three. We were dropped. New care start- with a $10,000 deductible. For 19 years ed, but since I had already scheduled I could not improve my coverage. Now I surgery, my gall bladder condition was have coverage. not covered as preexisting. – Deborah, Taos, NM I had to wait until it became infected, which was a new condition, the pain My daughter was born with a genetic dis- was incredible, the worst I’ve ever felt, order that caused many health problems. Lauren, Trenton, NJ it made childbirth seem like nothing, She was not insurable and it caused her the surgery was much more difficult. I I’m the parent of a child with 5 life- many problems . She can now buy insur- needed longer term antibiotics. With- threatening conditions and autism just ance and that has changed her life for the out surgery, I may very well have died. to keep it interesting. I’m deeply con- better. A molehill was turned into a mountain. cerned about protections on pre-exist- – Marie, Alcalde, NM ing conditions, dependent coverage, – Beth, Flushing, NY and annual/lifetime cap limits. NORTH CAROLINA NEW YORK I was in two car accidents in 1999 and 2000. I was in a job that did not offer health insurance. I had incredibly high medical bills. My father could have helped, but refused. I was forced to file bankruptcy. My credit score was perfect until that time. I have been struggling since then to get from poor to fair. I have just recently left my company job to start my own business. I will need the ACA to survive. The cost Theresa, Port Monmouth, NJ of COBRA is too high. I am single and live My Godmother, Karen, died because alone with my rescue dogs. I cannot af- she didn’t go to the doctor. It wasn’t ford to be without insurance again. The because she didn’t want to, it was be- Belinda, Ithaca, NY top 1% is so out of touch with the rest of the nation. I emplore anyone voting to cause she couldn’t afford it and had a After 61 years of excellent health, I dismantle the ACA live for a month in the life threatening condition she didn’t had two emergency surgeries, one shoes of their constituents. I doubt they know about. scheduled surgery, and pneumonia in could last a day. If she had been able to go to the doc- less than 12 months. I was not strong – Rebecca, Durham, NC tor, get her blood pressure checked, enough to keep up with the pace of my and get medication, my children may nursing job and sought coverage with have known her and her child might ObamaCare. It got me through months Every member of my family has what still have a mother, her husband, might of recovery until I could get back to a insurance companies consider pre-exist- job with insurance coverage. still have a wife, her mother might still ing conditions, which means w/out the have her child and her brother might My oldest son has had bladder cancer, ACA we would likely be denied health

MomsRising.org 15 insurance or be subject to exclusions & employer-sponsored health insurance. room instead of having a scheduled sur- delays. My twin daughters were micro- We were incredibly fortunate that he gery Without the tax credit I could not af- preemies with lengthy stays in the NICU qualified for Medicaid, but after a lapse ford any coverage. (one of them for almost a year!). They’ve in coverage for myself, I found out I was – Jesse, Louisburg, NC had countless medical procedures and uninsurable due to some minor pre-ex- multiple surgeries. Both have costly life- isting conditions. As a parent, one of my biggest fears is long chronic medical conditions. Just I remained uninsured for a few years – my child getting sick. Really sick. If the the NICU stay for one of them alone was putting off much needed care and pre- unthinkable should happen, I want to well over $1 million. scriptions – while I cared for my son. be able to focus all my energy and time It costs well over $100K each year for It wasn’t until the Affordable Care Act on helping my daughter get better, not her medical care, therapy, & supplies, (ACA) was passed, which made it illegal fighting with the insurance company. even w/out counting the cost of in-home for insurance companies to deny cover- The ACA is so crucial for the health and care through our state’s Medicaid waiver age to people with pre-existing condi- security of our middle- and lower-class- program. She is medically fragile. With- tions, that I was able to buy affordable es. out the ACA, we would be destitute very health insurance coverage on the Mar- Maybe rich people don’t have to worry quickly due to insurance’s lifetime max. ketplace. about being able to afford care if their Our daughters would have to do w/out children get sick, but I do. I pray to God the medical care, supplies, & therapies As an 26 year Occupational Therapy every single night for my child’s contin- they need. This would put their lives in professional, I have insurance via my ued good health. And I pray for the peo- danger. Our entire family would end up employer. However, I have personally ple who are in the situation of having a on public assistance to survive. That worked with clients who do not have seriously ill child. Any one of us could be would only cost the government more $ in that position. in the long run. healthcare and I see the effects of long term chronic illness that are not treated. – Brooke, Grand Forks, ND – E N, Clemmons, NC Every American should have basic health care which will not only prevent unnec- essary illnesses, but curb the cost of our NORTH DAKOTA healthcare overall here in America. I applied for ChIP for my two daughters, – Janice, Charlotte, NC a program that I just learned about and found out they qualifiy for Medicaid be- I have a number of friends and neighbors cause of the new expansions to the pro- who have lost jobs and are trying to pay gram. Without it I don’t know how I’d af- the bills through independent contract- ford my 4 year-old’s asthma medication. ing, which is an unstable source of in- – Sara, Grand Forks, ND come. Without the ACA, they would have no health insurance. One of my friends was diagnosed with cancer – without OHIO the ACA she would have had no means to pay for the treatment. My husband has been downsized twice in the last three years. We are both self- – Bev, Pittsboro, NC employed now, and are earning enough to stay comfortable. But I have rheuma- We live in a retirement village, and most toid arthritis, and without the Affordable of our money goes for living expenses. Care Act, I fear I would be uninsurable as We NEED the Affordable Care Act to having a preexisting condition. make health care something that we can My practice has grown to the point I was have access to! able to hire a part-time employee this Otherwise, we will be in financial trou- year. But if I lose my health insurance, ble with all our health issues that must I perhaps would need to find some em- be dealt with, especially in my hus- ployment where I could be covered and band’s case with dementia growing each would need to let my employee go. month! Felicia, Raleigh, NC – Ann, South Euclid, OH When my son was born in 2006, he – Dorothy & Robert, Durham, NC needed to start chemotherapy at six I am one of a family of five. My hus- weeks old to treat a life-threatening I am 62 and didn’t have coverage before band and I both work full time jobs. tumor. He needed round-the-clock the ACA I had a hernia the first year I Together our household income is less care, so I had to quit my job to care had coverage. If I didn’t have coverage I than $45,000. He works for a company for him, which meant we also lost our would have ended up in the emergency that doesn’t offer medical benefits and

16 MomsRising.org I work for a non-profit social service be severely compromised. The ACA pol- to provide healthcare for its 2 employ- agency that can barely afford to offer icy my husband and I have has covered ees. I am the sole owner of a very small me any. Benefits for myself alone equals my previous doctors, although not at all business. Thank goodness we can get more than 5% of my income. I have a son the same locations, and the staff at the our healthcare coverage through the ex- who has a disability and requires lots of other end of the call line of this insur- changes. care. Because of Medicaid we are able to ance company has been friendly, help- – Adina, Shaker Heights, OH obtain the care he needs. ful, kind, and thorough. Without Medicaid we wouldn’t be able – Mary, Oberlin, OH to afford the medical treatment and OKLAHOMA would be forced to live off of even less Before ACA our health insurance deduct- My mother-in-law had a seizure at her than what we make because one of us ible skyrocketed to $20,000 a year for new job, Walmart (after being at home would have to stay home with him. our family and our out of network was for years), and did not yet qualify for This would add extra strain on the $40,000. My husband works for a small health insurance (not even catastrophic economy due to the need to apply for business and within the company sev- insurance). subsidized housing, food benefits and eral pre existing conditions made insur- others. ance outrageous. She was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors, But with his treatment that is paid for After we experienced a year with over one benign, the other malignant.With- by Medicaid, he is able to go to school, $20,000 in medical bills we were con- out Medicaid, my mother-in-law could camp , enjoy things other children his sidering selling our home/ down sizing not have received any cancer treatment age enjoy and we are able to continue and pulling our kids from the parochial and the hospice care she will eventually to work and contribute through our tax school they love. We had saved enough receive. dollars to the public service that helps to get through one tough year but we – Melissa, Edmond, OK us make it all possible. were afraid that subsequent years of high bills would pull us under. – Davetta, Cincinnati, OH I am the mother of a disabled adult Once ACA passed our deductible went daughter. Medicare and Medicaid have Our daughter Addie was diagnosed with down to $3000. We were able to save been very important in her care. She is Type 1 diabetes at age 6 - an autoim- money and my husband was able to able to live at home and has not been mune disease for which there is no cure, buy a share of his company. ACA al- hospitalized in several years. lowed us to become small business but does have very expensive treat- It is urgent that Medicare and Medicaid owners since we had affordable health ments. When my husband lost his job be preserved. It is much more cost effec- care. Our children have stayed in the a few years ago, prior to the Affordable tive than hospitalization and emergency school they love. All of this uncertainty Care Act, NO ONE would insure us - at room care! any cost. surrounding health care has us worried again. – Roslyn, Shawness, OK We were denied coverage because of Ad- die’s Type 1 diagnosis. Thanks to the Af- Since ACA our youngest child was born fordable Care Act, we no longer have to with FPIES. We are scared she will be OREGON worry about being denied coverage and considered uninsurable. She appears to I can sleep at night knowing that Addie be outgrowing the condition but will in- will always have access to her life saving surance companies insure her? medications - or will she?? – Rebecca, Cincinnati, OH – Amy, Columbus, OH Our family has had a series of health is- I am a two-time cancer survivor. The sues and having health insurance has health insurance premiums for my hus- made it possible for us to deal with band and myself, after age 60, covered at them. I am especially grateful for the the time by the church we have pastored ACA rule that requires coverage for pre- many years, were approaching $38,000/ ventative treatments and that mental year. When the ACA was approved, our health issues be treated the same as American Baptist denomination ceased other medical issues. offering health insurance to churches Without this later provision, some nec- Larry, Tigard, OR due to the spiraling costs, and we were essary treatment would not have been Thanks to the ACA, my sister and her then on the open market. an affordable option for us. daughter were able to get health cov- My cancer is in remission, thankfully, – Sonya, Cleveland Hts, OH erage despite having diabetes...a pre- but I have an immune disorder which re- existing condition. Without ACA, no quires monthly intravenous treatments. My husband has had a job with a very insurance company would cover them. Without this support, my health would small organization that cannot afford Thank you Obamacare!

MomsRising.org 17 she would be dead a long time ago. I At 57 my back blew out due to severe am 1 of millions of families surviving stenosis. The condition has left me with with a disabled family member be- little ability to walk constant pain any- cause of available national health care time’s and inability to even care for my- laws. self. I was covered by Medicaid until my SSI disability was approved. Since there’s a two-year waiting period PENNSYLVANIA for Medicare I have to pay for my own in- surance for the next two years. Without the Affordable Care Act I would not be able to afford insurance where would I Rhea, Portland, OR be insurable on my own. As someone who has suffered for years – Barbara, Bridgeville, PA from depression, the ACA has finally made it possible for me to find a treat- ment plan that works. I can’t tell you what this means to me and my family. I am finally about to be the mother I al- ways wanted to be – available, patient, and emotionally balanced. Elizabeth If the ACA goes away, so does my medi- Greenfield Twp, PA cal care. On my budget, there is no way that I could afford health insurance, I had a number of concerning symp- and a health savings account would be toms, but I didn’t know what was of no use. wrong. My husband was having heart palpitations, just one year younger than when his father died of a heart Both of our sons were included on our attack. We couldn’t afford testing to family insurance for some years due to find out what was wrong with us, and the Affordable Care Act. Our elder son’s we wanted a child. After getting health coverage denied him prior to the pas- insurance through the ACA, we both Tam, Furlong, PA sage of the Affordable Care Act simply got tests I had a thyroid condition that A year before the ACA was passed, I had due to a bicycle injury while in college. was easily treated with an inexpensive a beautiful 30-yr old niece who died be- He wrote an eloquent letter along with medication. cause she lost her job, had a preexist- one from his doctor at the time to have He was put on a simple inexpensive ing condition, and didn’t have access to the denial set aside. For anyone else heart medication and we both started affordable health insurance. This heart- without his eloquence and our support, going to the doctor for simple check- breaking tragedy should not happen he would have been left without insur- ups. We had our baby in January 2016 ever again to any family. ance. and I was happy to have excellent care through my thankfully uncomplicated – Christina, Lake Oswego, OR My husband and I are in our early six- pregnancy. ties. Before the ACA, there were several My beautiful healthy baby relies on our years where I was unable to get health coverage for his many regular well baby insurance because of pre-existing condi- appointments and vaccines. We both tions. During the same time period, my work. The ACA is our only option, I love husband was in the hospital four times it and credit it with my families health. in one year, and despite the fact that he had insurance from work, we had to file bankruptcy due to excessive medical For me it’s simple. With Affordable bills. Health Care I get to live a relatively com- If the ACA is repealed, my husband will fortable life. Without it I would perish. I Mary, Gresham, OR lose his coverage and will be unable to was diagnosed with numerous autoim- get any due to pre-existing conditions. My life long medically, mentally, physi- mune conditions at the age of 13. I’ve cally disabled daughter of 42 years has never been insurable until President – Laura, Reading, PA received appropriate health care from Obama pass the Affordable Care Act. At private health insurance, Medicare & times when I could work I had employer We have 5 children. Three would have Medicaid all her life. Without this care provided health insurance. aged out of our insurance if not for the

18 MomsRising.org ACA. Three people that I love more than My husband and I are both self em- children qualified for Medicaid through anything could be without health pro- ployed. I was diagnosed in 2013 with SCHIP, my husband and I only qualified tection. We are forever thankful for it. triple negative breast cancer. for family planning services through – Robin, Pittsburgh, PA I had chemotherapy and radiation for Medicaid. over 7 months. It has now moved to my The ACA has enabled us to purchase af- The ACA finally allowed us to breathe lungs and liver. If penalities for preexist- fordable healthcare that covers all of freely for the first time in years. Before ing conditions return we will both be un- our existing and potential future needs, the ACA we spent 50% of our income insurable. which is a huge load off our minds. on premiums and healthcare. After the – Sandy, Bloomsburg, PA – Christa, Simpsonville, SC ACA we got the care we needed and had enough money to live on. It made all the My wife and I have pre-existing condi- difference! tions (cancer, diabetes). We could not SOUTH DAKOTA Before the ACA the premium for high purchase or afford healthcare without My daughter and her husband were deductible basic insurance was $2500 a the ACA. struggling with low paying jobs and no month after it was $535 a month with a – Kenneth, Moore & Kim, Bethlehem, PA benefits. She is a college graduate with low deductible and low copays for most services. That is life changing! a degree in pre-professional biology. He works in construction or as a waiter as – Paulette, Nazareth, PA RHODE ISLAND opportunity presents. My partner had major injuries from a Thank God that my son was able to con- They have two very young children. Be- car accident, was in extreme pain and tinue on my insurance until 26! At 25 he cause of Medicaid, they were able to get unable to work. He could finally get re- was diagnosed with the same heart con- health care for their children while she habilitative treatment when he got in- dition that had killed his father. He now continued her education. surance under the ACA. I am a mental has an internal defibrillator in his chest, health counselor. – Dorna, Sturgis, SD which now brands him as having a pre- existing condition. So many of my clients – the clients most I have an elderly mom who is being in need of treatment – were only able to – Annie, Elkins Park, PA helped through Medicaid. I believe the start treatment once they got insured wealth and the goodness of a nation is under the affordable care act. These I cannot afford health insurance without determined by how we treat our least people are now better able to lead pro- this program. The wife and I are on lim- fortunate members. ductive lives. ited incomes. – Susan, Sioux Falls, SD – Ellen, Providence, RI – Chester, Mechanicsburg, PA My son Thomas was born at 34 weeks I am a two-time cancer survivor and the TENNESSEE old. Luckily he was in good health, and protections in the ACA for pre-existing a great weight. But had it not been for I hadn’t seen a doctor - not counting coverage and banning life-time limits Medicaid we would not have been able expensive visits to walk-in clinics when are critical for people like me and espe- to receive the health care that we did I couldn’t stand something anymore -- cially for children who have had cancer. at the hospital. He was in the NICU for since about 1976. – Meredith, Erie, PA a week. For three years now, I’ve had actual – Kayla, Warick, RI health insurance that I can afford thanks I was laid off from my long term full time to my ACA supplement. job last November, 2015. I have since had some temporary employment while I’ve had a couple of physicals and some continuing to look for full time work. I SOUTH CAROLINA tests and mammograms and everything was diagnosed with cataracts last spring My 32 year old son has been on dialy- is good. If we can keep up this system, and had operations this summer on both sis since he was nineteen years old. If it I have a chance of knowing in advance eyes. were not for Medicaid, many if not most, if anything serious is about to go wrong. dialysis patients in this country would That sort of preventative care can save – Michelle, Scottdale, PA die. money and lives. Through the Affordable Care Act I was My son is a very important part of our – Teresa, Nashville, TN able to get a breast pump. This allowed family. Even though he can not hold me as a mother to work (or have my hus- down a job, he contributes to society in I was able to get health insurance band or someone else watch our baby) many positive ways. through the ACA for 20 dollars a month. This gives me piece of mind that if I get while still giving our baby breastmilk, – Doris, Lyman, SC which is what a little baby needs. sick I can afford to go to the clinic. – Irene, Philadelphia, PA I lost my job in May 2016. While my two – Jesse, Maryville, TN

MomsRising.org 19 My grandson was a 29 week preemie. He if something happens before I can prop- was covered under my insurance until erly care for her? If I still have two small my daughter turned 25, at which point children I don’t know what we’ll do. he would have been uninsurable with- We’ll need help from Medicaid. Maybe out Obamacare. My daughter has also that won’t happen but it’s not a risk I’m had many health issues that made her willing to take. uninsurable as well. – Solveig, Battlebro, VT – Vicki, Brentwood, TN While my partner and I have always had strong employment, our four children My son is a musician and has Stage IV have always been eligible for Medic- aid melanoma diagnosed in August. If he Elizabeth, Centerville, UT Coverage. I have been so thankful for had not had ObamaCare, he would have this coverage in so many capacities since My mother is 89 years old, frail, and has been uninsured when he got sick and I started my family. very poor vision due to macular degen- would not be alive today. eration. She needs full-time care, so I Medicaid Insurance ensured that I had – Jill, Sweetwater, TN can’t work outside the home. I am her excellent prenatal and postnatal care. caregiver. My only access to affordable Medicaid Insurance ensured that my children were birthed in an excellent healthcare is through the marketplace medical facility, of which we were very established by the Affordable Care Act. TEXAS thankful when complications were un- Now she has a good paying job at a Prior to the passage of the ACA, I was expectedly experienced with one birth. struggling to pay monthly costs for in- hospital in the medical laboratory and Medicaid Insurance ensured that my surance that doubled in just two years. is paying taxes that she is glad to pay, children received all the health and Yes, my premiums will increase in 2017, hoping someone else will be able to take wellness checkups necessary, which is care of their family while getting the but I’ll still be paying less than a third a huge preventative practice, not only training and education they need. Med- of what I was paying prior to the ACA. preventing disease, but definitely pro- icaid made this possible for her. Without Until the ACA passed, people were los- moting health. it, they would not have been able to pay ing their savings, their homes, and – Willow, Bristol, VT for her schooling and care for the chil- even their lives because they couldn’t dren. afford healthcare. – Holly, Luling, TX It’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot bet- VIRGINIA ter than the system we had before. My husband was diagnosed with Hep C, treated with success, diagnosed with liver cancer, received a liver transplant, VERMONT and now he will have to take anti-rejec- My mother’s name is Mia. She recently tion medication for the rest of his life. I moved to our town in order to help take was having cardio issues with a failing care of our 2-year-old daughter, Lotte valve, and I received a pace maker. I have (and soon, our second baby will be here had the battery replaced now twice, and too!!!). still going strong. My mom helps us in a million ways. She We were very fortunate that the A.C.A. was already in place when these pre- gives me time to work, she helps with the dishes and she provides her wonder- existing conditions surfaced. If it had Margarita, ful wisdom and emotional support. She not been, I am not sure either one of us Charlottesville, VA would be here today. gives my daughter the kind of attention that only a spectacular grandmother My mother in law is a permanent resi- – Kay, Sunset, TX can. She is essential to the wellbeing of dent and without the ACA she and my our family. I truly don’t know what we family could not afford health care cov- would do without her. When the time erage for her. UTAH comes I want to be able to provide her Since she has had medical insurance I have twins born 7 weeks too early. They with the kind of love and care she de- coverage we have all breath a sigh of serves. were in intensive care for 7 weeks and af- relief, the possibility of my MIL having a ter that for one year in intensive rehabili- Without Medicaid, I’m not sure how we medical emergency and either not be- tation. Without Medicaid and the proper will do that. Hopefully, by the time my ing able to afford the needed care or my help, they would have died. mom needs care our children will be old family going in to bankruptcy to pay for – Corinna, Sandy, UT enough that we can all pitch in but what her medical bills was very real.

20 MomsRising.org I was without health insurance for many tal many thousand of dollars more than it for the Affordable Care Act. My patients years, when I could no longer obtain it would have originally cost to provide the represent a wide range of life experiences: through my work place. I had a couple correct medicine immediately. As this was people working multiple jobs to make pre-existing conditions that made indi- a public hospital, in the end, tax payers ends meet, new refugees who have fled vidual insurance too expensive. When carried the burden of this cost. After ACA, terrifying and traumatic situations to find the ACA was passed, I put off signing up, my patients could finally get their basic a safer life here in the U.S., people who are kept hearing how hard it was to navigate medical needs met. disabled from injuries, people suffering the system, etc. I suddenly fell ill a couple with chronic mental illness, young fami- No longer were people having strokes years ago, and two hospital stays later lies, newborn babies, and elderly patients and heart attacks because they could not discovered I had colon cancer. When the on Medicare. Prior to the ACA, I saw many afford their blood pressure medicines or community hospital I had been at de- patients have to make heartbreaking de- dying of treatable cancers because they clined to do the surgery due to possible cisions between having food and having had no coverage for chemotherapy and complications, and I was sent to UVA Hos- their medications. The Affordable Care radiation. Everyone deserves health pital, I became very worried about costs. Act as well as WA state’s medicaid expan- care not just those who are well off. The sion, has made such a significant positive UVA has a very small self-pay discount, ACA provides health care to the desti- impact on this; I cannot imagine us going and as a property owner I did not tute as well as working people who do back to the way it was before. People’s qualify for any aid. Faced with putting not have health insurance through their health, well-being, and indeed, lives, are off surgery until open season (a five employers. month delay which the doctors advised at stake. – Rebecca, Redmond, WA against) I started searching ACA sites. – Sara, Seattle, WA Health Solutions One came up, I called, and within 20 minutes I had insurance. Within a week all the paperwork arrived and three weeks later I had the surgery. A month later I was back to work, and have received all good health checks since then. While paying for the surgery wouldn’t have bankrupted me, it would have tak- en up a significant portion of my retire- ment income, and at age 59 that was a very dismal thought. I am very grateful for the law which has abolished pre- existing conditions as a means of deny- ing insurance. If I had known it would be so easy to sign up I would have done it much sooner! Maegan, Olympia, WA Sarah, Seattle, WA – Tedi, Afton, VA Preventative services like well-child I am a family doctor working in a visits, vaccinations & flu shots have community health center, and have been so very important to our family. the privilege to be the primary care WASHINGTON Also, I suffer from PTSD from years of provider for many people and fami- childhood sexual abuse & neglect – be- lies who would not have health cov- I am a nurse practitioner. Before ACA, ing able to afford to go to a therapist & erage if it weren’t for the Affordable my uninsured patients waited until they pay for my medications has helped me Care Act. My patients represent a wide were very ill before seeking care. I would become much more functional & has range of life experiences: people work- have to beg for free medications for my furthered my healing. Quality, afford- ing multiple jobs to make ends meet, homeless and destitute patients. The able health coverage is something that new refugees who have fled terrifying hospital I worked at allowed patients no I am grateful for every day & I know and traumatic situations to find a safer more than $40 a year of free medications. from experience how much it matters life here in the U.S., people who are How can this be stretched to cover the in my family’s daily life. disabled from injuries, people suffer- health care needs of a homeless person? ing with chronic mental illness, young For example if they had pneumonia, I was families, newborn babies, and elderly forced to choose an inexpensive antibiot- I am a family doctor working in a com- patients on Medicare. Prior to the ACA, I ic which might now work. When it did not munity health center, and have the privi- saw many patients have to make heart- work, they ended up in the hospital where lege to be the primary care provider for breaking decisions between having they were finally able to get charity care many people and families who would food and having their medications. The as an in patient but which cost the hospi- not have health coverage if it weren’t Affordable Care Act as well as WA state’s

MomsRising.org 21 medicaid expansion, has made such nowhere to go for healthcare. It was WISCONSIN a significant positive impact on this; about a month before I was fired that I cannot imagine us going back to the I started to get pains in my stomach. Before I had Medicaid, I went into a coma way it was before. People’s health, well- This was partly due to the fact that about once a month because I am on being, and indeed, lives, are at stake. I have General Anxiety Disorder, my insulin. I have many complications as a anxiety is so bad that my body physi- result of going years without healthcare. cally feels stress. Sometimes it is so Now I never go into comas. Insulin has bad I will be doubled over in pain. I had gone up so much that if not for insur- no insurance, no counselor I could talk ance, I would not be able to buy it. It’s to, and I was in a toxic working envi- unethical to force people to suffer and ronment. My parents who are on food die because they are not rich! stamps were also uninsured so asking – Lisa, Madison, WI for help was not an option. Luckily the ACA and the Marketplace were there when it came to choosing WYOMING Erin, Langley, WA an affordable health care plan. Before long I was finally able to see a therapist I have Multifocal Motor Neuropathy I am one of 166,000+ folks enrolled in and get the help I needed to be healthy which is a very expensive disease to my state’s healthcare exchange, able again. Since I was working through my treat. There is no cure. Fortunately, I to afford insurance coverage only mental illness I was finally able to get a have great insurance from my employer due to the ACA subsidy. I am a self- job that was right for me and become a and they have fully covered my illness employed, single parent who works contributing member of society again. without exception. I would have reached 7 days a week. I am very healthy, but The Affordable Care Act supports con- the $2 million lifetime maximum payout without insurance coverage, my asth- stituents so that they may support at the end of December 2010. ma medication costs $300 per month. their communities. My child is completely dependent on By some miracle, as of January 2011, my income, and she is a childhood lifetime maximum payout limits became cancer survivor able to have access to illegal. I’ll now be able to continue treat- Medicaid under the current ACA plan. WEST VIRGINIA ment which allows me to work and be a There are many families like mine who productive member of our society. My two-year-old daughter has a pre- will revert to medical bankruptcies or I’m 52 years old and without the abil- existing condition. We have health in- ity to find affordable insurance, I would go uninsured if we need to in order to surance through my son’s job, but they end up in a care facility which would keep shelter and food for our families. change it from time to time. Thanks to drain my retirement funds within a few Health Reform, I never have to worry short years. Then what? You guessed about her being denied health insurance. WASHINGTON, D.C. it. The State would have to absorb the – Gessika, Martinsburg, WV costs. So, I’m one of those folks that the healthcare bill has benefited. Just in It truly is comforting to know that my time too. WASHINGTON, D.C. son who has pre-existing medical condi- – Sue, Powell, WY tions, can not be denied insurance in the future because of that fact. I pray that this will always be the case in our health- My husband and I both received our care system. Bachelors degrees when our first child – Robin, St. Albans, WV was 6 months old. My husband went on to receive his Masters and Doctorate Because of health care reform, our son degrees. Unfortunately, due to the eco- will now have health care insurance as nomic crisis of 2008, when he needed to a graduate student. He was due to lose find employment, he was unable to get it because of his age, and now we can the type of job he was 3-degree trained keep him on our policy until he finishes for. Chelsea, Washington, D.C. school. Given his health care needs, He now works by the hour to support me I was 21 years old and I had just lost my this is a tremendous relief. Healthcare and our 7 children, each of whom have job, unfairly due to “Right to Work” in reform is impacting us all now for the health issues requiring daily medication. the state of Florida. My job at the time better. I keep telling people to learn the Our medical bills are extremely high, wouldn’t help me register for their facts, not listen to the inaccurate rumors even with Medicaid supplementing the that continue to distort the true picture. younger children’s medical costs. health care to save money. I was broke, I had debt, and more importantly I had – Patricia, Morgantown, WV – Mary, Laramie, WY

22 MomsRising.org MomsRising.org is an online and on-the-ground grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to achieve economic security for all families in the United States.

MomsRising is working for paid family leave, flexible work options, a ordable childcare, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes so many others. MomsRising also advocates for better childhood nutrition, health care for all, toxic-free environments, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start.

Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families. In 2013, Forbes.com named MomsRising's web site as one of the Top 100 Websites For Women for the fourth year in a row and Working Mother magazine included MomsRising on its “Best of the Net” list.

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