Letter to Editor: Marlene of Knoxville, TN

Marlene of Knoxville, TN writes: I’m a former nurse and a science writer from Knoxville, Tennessee. I’ve always had insurance through my work, but in the periods in between jobs, you are hoping that nothing bad happens because there is no way to pay for healthcare. At 63, I was ready to work from home…

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Letter to Editor: Greg of Pikeville, TN

Greg of Pikeville, TN writes: Over the course of my lifetime, I have witnessed the financial hardship individuals and families often experience in the aftermath of an accident, illness, or just accessing routine, preventative physical and emotional care. Prior to the ACA, families and individuals without affordable healthcare often sought primary care via emergency rooms,…

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Letter to Editor: Molly of Morrison, TN

Molly of Morrison, TN writes: I am retired and my husband is semi-retired. We used to live in Davidson county but in 2002, we decided to open our own business—a nursery—and moved to Warren County. My husband loves growing plants, and he still works at our nursery. My husband is also a Type 1 diabetic.…

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Letter to Editor: Carol of Knoxville, TN

Carol of Knoxville, TN writes: I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN with five siblings. Five of the six of us have diabetes. In addition to type-1 diabetes, I have a number of other health conditions, such as high cholesterol. Luckily, they can be managed with the right medications, and I am able to…

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Letter to Editor: June of Spring Hill, TN

June of Spring Hill, TN writes: I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I lived in Delaware in the early 80’s but moved to Tennessee when my husband got a job here. I work as a dental hygienist but most dental offices don’t offer health insurance. The only way I’ve had insurance is through my husband.…

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Letter to Editor: James of Maryville, TN

James of Maryville, TN writes: My name is J. Nathan Higdon and I was born and raised in Maryville, TN. Currently, I’m finishing up my PhD in Business Administration. I started my first business, a transportation company, in 2004. For people who are creating jobs, you don’t hire people just to fill positions. You’re hiring…

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Letter to Editor: Leah of Franklin, TN

Leah of Franklin, TN writes: My name is Leah Bennion.   As a start-up attorney, I represent many individuals who are fulfilling the American Dream by starting their own businesses.  I am a technology lawyer, and many of the individuals I represent are frontiering technology to revolutionize their respective industries. Without the ability to insure his/her…

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Letter to Editor: Nina of Knoxville, TN

Nina of Knoxville, TN writes: My name is Nina Howell and I am a breast cancer survivor. I started a nonprofit for other breast cancer survivors. I am afraid of what the repeal of the ACA will mean for myself and the women I work with. Many of these women are single mothers with young…

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Letter to Editor: Julie of Ooltewah, TN

Julie of Ooltewah, TN writes: My name is Julie Edmondson. I live in Ooltewah. I am married and have 3 stepchildren. In my early 20s, I had a massive stroke and was hospitalized for several days. Five years later, I had another injury. My doctors did an MRI and found that I had an unruptured…

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Letter to Editor: Debra of Springhill, TN

Debra of Springhill, TN writes: My name is Debra Smith. I live in Springhill. I was a microbiologist for over 20 years.  Before the ACA, I could only get insurance through my employer because I had a pre-existing condition. By 2013, I had almost met my million-dollar cap. That year, I left my job with…

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