I Have Something To Tell You #INeedMyACA #SaveHealthcare
Well, it’s official. I am afraid, I am nervous, I am scared about the fact that the GOP in Washington DC is fast tracking repealing the Affordable Care Act, ACA, Obamacare. Take your pick of term, but for me, it means so much more.
Twenty-two years ago I when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was fortunate to have an employer that provided my health insurance. When the insurance rates began to increase 17–20% per year and the economic downturn hit America, I unfortunately had to drop my coverage. By the time my business recovered from the recession, health insurance had become truly unaffordable. And, most insurance companies would not cover me due to my pre-existing conditions. You see, they made me feel worthless because I had breast cancer.
For years, I paid for my office visits. Being a cancer survivor, I should have had a colonoscopy when I turned 50, but the price tag for that procedure was unattainable at that time. I had to wait another ten years for affordable health insurance to finally have it done. I am grateful to God that it was a routine exam with no issues.
I am also grateful that I have a new primary care physician that treats me like a person patient, not a patient on the clock. If there is one thing Paul taught me, he made sure I understood the value of an independent doctor or practice. I really wish he was alive today because I could really use his shoulder to cry on.
I have what would be considered a pre-existing condition prior to the introduction of the ACA. Besides finally getting around to that colonoscopy last summer, I had a hearing test. I was tired of asking friends to repeat what they said.
I have not told very many friends, but here goes. I have tinnitus in my left ear, so who doesn’t have ringing in their ears, right? In August 2016, I clicked on an ad for a hearing aid and the next thing I know, I am having a brain MRI.
It was discovered that I have benign tumor in my inner ear canal and the size is considered too large to radiate, but considered a moderate sized tumor. Sooner or later, it will need to come out. Surgery is the only way to remove it and that means brain surgery. Yes, brain surgery.
I have been experiencing headaches for the past two months. I don’t know if it is from the tumor or simply stress. Either way, I am devastated that I now have an additional issue to worry about. It’s just not fair. Now all the news coverage is about the ACA repeal. I finally have health insurance that works and it is now in jeopardy.
The GOP is rapidly aiming to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. I am frightened, I am stressed out, I have anxiety all because of my recent diagnosis. I want to be able to cover my expenses when I can have the surgery: living, deductible, out of pocket. I want to be financially responsible for this procedure. At the same time my life is up in the air, my business has been sporadic post-election.
I will be vocal to my elected representatives in Washington DC about giving a great deal of thought to the people back home in Idaho. I need you all — my family, my friends, my colleagues — to really be loud for me, for the rest of the nation that will be devastated by a fast tracked repeal.
Please call your federal level Senators and Congress folks! This is #Resistance #MAGAMyAss #SaveMyACA #healthcare
