Updated: May 19, 2017
Originally Published: May 19, 2017
For weeks, critics of the Affordable Care Act have dismissed my concerns about the American Health Care Act (AHCA), labeling me as an overly emotional, uninformed liberal. They talk about waivers and loopholes as if these fleeting assurances can truly protect us. Their advice? Calm down and let the politicians in Washington sort it out, because “it probably won’t even affect you,” as if my hypothetical reprieve somehow makes the struggles of millions less significant. They insist it’s too early to worry, as if the right moment to voice concerns is only when the ink on the bill has dried. And then there’s the classic retort that I just need to do my research, as if I haven’t already devoted countless hours to understanding this issue.
Let me take a moment to highlight something important: parents of children with special needs delve into research with the intensity of someone defending a thesis—a thesis that came from our own bodies and nurtured at our breasts. We investigate as if our children’s lives depend on it—because often, they do. We know that no one cares about our children as deeply as we do, not geneticists, not neurologists, and certainly not those in Congress. So, when you suggest I do my research, don’t be surprised if it elicits a chuckle or a fierce rebuttal from me.
Talking about health care might seem dull, and insurance can feel like a labyrinth—but I suspect that’s by design. The more we glaze over the jargon of underwriting and high-risk pools, the easier it is for insurance lobbyists and their political allies to enjoy their high-priced drinks while we struggle to afford our monthly prescriptions for anxiety.
At its core, health care should be straightforward. Everyone deserves affordable health insurance, and accessing health care should be simple. Ideally, health care would be universally free, recognized as a human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and practiced by other advanced nations.
Donald Trump campaigned on promises of affordable health care: no premium increases, no loss of coverage, and continued protection for those with pre-existing conditions. I’m baffled by why 63 million Americans trusted a known deceiver with such crucial matters, but here we are (thanks, Electoral College). Advocates of the AHCA may not be entirely wrong; the bill doesn’t outright ban coverage for pre-existing conditions or raise premiums. However, what the AHCA does is allow states to apply for waivers, enabling them to charge older individuals significantly more for the same coverage and to potentially eliminate essential health benefits like maternity care and mental health services.
Moreover, waivers grant states the authority to impose higher charges or deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions. They also allow insurers—even those in employer-sponsored plans—to set annual and lifetime limits on benefits.
Another argument in favor of the AHCA is that if you maintain continuous coverage, you won’t face rate hikes due to pre-existing conditions. But consider this: what happens if you lose your job? One unfortunate turn of fate could mean a 30% increase in your premium because your child has a congenital heart defect. Coverage lapses often occur during challenging times—like losing a job or transitioning to a better-paying position that disqualifies you from Medicaid, forcing you to choose between paying rent or securing health coverage. The AHCA makes it financially daunting to regain coverage, effectively excluding people based on health history, age, or finances—contrary to Trump’s promises.
Access to health care is not just a theoretical issue; it profoundly affects each of us. In 2013, I welcomed my wonderful son into the world. While his early months were largely typical, it quickly became apparent that he wasn’t developing like other babies. His struggles to latch during breastfeeding and later to sit up independently raised concerns, but his pediatrician reassured me it was within a “normal” range. As someone with a master’s degree in early childhood education, I knew better. By eight months, I recognized that something was amiss.
The following eighteen months were filled with assessments, therapies, and ultimately a diagnosis: cerebral palsy. Since then, we’ve relied on various therapies and services to support my son’s development, many funded by Medicaid—funds that could face a 25% cut if the AHCA passes. For many children without health care, these special education services are their sole access to vital support, making them a lifeline for families and educators. Meanwhile, to the architects of the AHCA, these services are simply expendable.
These are just some of the reasons we must oppose this unjust and inequitable legislation. I channel my inner warrior—ready to battle against the detrimental healthcare policies represented by the AHCA. It’s crucial that our children’s potential is not stifled by political maneuvering and partisanship. While I may have strong feelings about the GOP, this issue transcends party lines. It’s fundamentally about what’s right and our responsibility to care for our most vulnerable citizens: our children, the elderly, the sick, and the impoverished. In the 21st century, there’s no justification for considering policies that ignore the needs of those who require support. This is our battle. Let’s stand together.
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In summary, the American Health Care Act poses significant dangers, especially for vulnerable populations. We must stand united against policies that threaten access to essential health services and protections for those who need them most.
Keyphrase: American Health Care Act opposition
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