How Repealing the ACA Would Hurt My Family With Pre-Existing Conditions
The revised American Healthcare Act recently passed through the House of Representatives, much to the chagrin of many of the over 56 million U.S. citizens with pre-existing medical conditions. This new act, as well as the Senate bill, would allow states to increase healthcare premiums for individuals with pre-existing conditions and to overturn the “essential benefits” mandate that covers maternity care and mental healthcare. I just have a question to ask — what gives lawmakers the right to control the kind of coverage individuals with disabilities have? Why do they feel that people with pre-existing conditions do not deserve the same level of coverage as those without such conditions?
I come from a family that has members with pre-existing conditions including mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and physical conditions such as asthma and my own condition, partial trisomy 16. If my dad didn’t get covered through this new law for his asthma, it would be absolutely terrible because his medications cost hundreds of dollars and they are essential for his health and well-being. My mom and I both go to therapy for mental health issues and this new act may not take into consideration the benefits of therapy to feel better about ourselves and live productive and happy lives.
My disability will never go away, and I need to be assured that if I ever do need therapies and treatments for my disability, I will be able to receive such treatments without paying a hefty premium. This current administration does not seem to care about people with disabilities, and I think the bills in the House and Senate prove that completely. It is unfair, unjust, and a slap in the face to the millions of U.S. citizens with disabilities. We need to push our senators to make the best decision for my future, my family members’ futures, and the futures of others with disabilities.
Editor’s note: This story reflects an individual’s experience and is not an endorsement from The Mighty. We believe in sharing a variety of perspectives from our community.
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Thinkstock photo by Designer491.