Dear Editor,

In a recent commentary about the Affordable Care Act, readers were asked WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?). Whether one is Christian or not, it would benefit us all if folks would consider whether all Americans should receive healthcare. Imagine your own life if you could not afford it.

For 23 years, my husband and I enjoyed the benefits of a group insurance policy offered through his company with reasonable co-pays, a low deductible and even dental and vision insurance. When the recession hit, his company was affected and his job eliminated. We lost that employer provided insurance and had to choose an individual plan on the open market. Guess what- his being self-employed and my working part time at a nonprofit meant the only thing we could afford was a catastrophic policy. Any health problems we had were not covered by the plan because they were deemed “pre-existing conditions” and we had to pay out of pocket for the care we actually needed. We were greatly appreciative of the Affordable Care Act (ACA – Obamacare) which allowed us to receive yearly physicals, affordable doctor visits and more affordable premiums. Fortunately, our kids were allowed to stay on our plan until they finished college and found employment. It has also benefited many of our extended family members whose jobs have not provided group insurance plans.

It seems to me a lot of people do not understand the benefits the ACA provides middle class Americans. I would ask legislators and other citizens with group policies to put themselves in our shoes.

I am very relieved the new bill was not passed. It would have left us and millions of other Americans either without insurance or paying very expensive premiums.

 

Laura Breyfogle

LaGrange