Letter to Editor: Lindy of Lookout Mtn, TN
Lindy of Lookout Mtn, TN writes:
I’m frightened to think about Congress dismantling the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without replacing. Americans benefit from ACA, even those with employer insurance. My experience is a good example. Before ACA, I tried to purchase private insurance; however, insurance would not cover my “woman parts” due to a pre-existing condition. ACA eliminated this. I later got great coverage at work for my whole body. However, because of that pre-existing condition, I felt bound to my job’s health insurance and passed on choices like starting a business. In 2010 my husband was diagnosed with heart failure. Valve replacement was an immediate life-saving measure, but his heart continued to fail and a heart transplant was necessary to save his life. He survived — BUT talk about a pre-existing condition. With ACA I could retire early if necessary to care for him because of ACA. Another ACA benefit not mentioned much: elimination of lifetime caps. Our previous cap was $1 million. Heart transplants aren’t given to non-insured cases unless you pay/raise the money; transplants.org estimates that hearts cost $1.2 million. If lifetime caps return, my husband could be denied insurance. Think about what you/your loved ones may have gained and what you have to lose if ACA is repealed without replacement; call your Senators to object.
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