For weeks, detractors of the Affordable Care Act have attempted to label me as an overemotional, uninformed liberal for opposing the American Health Care Act (AHCA). They speak of waivers and loopholes, as if these vague assurances offer any real comfort. They insist I should relax and let lawmakers in Washington manage it, suggesting that it “probably won’t even affect” me, as if my hypothetical safety diminishes the suffering of countless others in similar situations. They claim it’s premature to worry, implying that concern should only arise when the ink on the bill has dried. Ironically, they tell me I need to do my homework, as if I lack understanding.
A quick note to parents of children with special needs: we are researchers. We investigate like we’re defending a thesis born from our own experiences. Our quest for knowledge is driven by necessity because, often, our children’s lives depend on it. No one cares more about our kids than we do, and no one—be it geneticists, neurologists, or politicians—will dedicate as much effort to understanding what impacts our children as we, their parents, will. So, any attempt to dismiss my concerns with “do your research” will either amuse me or incite my fierce protective instincts.
Health Care Should Be Straightforward
Let’s be honest—health care discussions can be tedious. Insurance jargon is designed to confuse, making it easier for the insurance industry and their political allies to enjoy the fruits of our struggles, all while we try to navigate our monthly bills and the stress of our daily lives.
In its essence, health care should be straightforward. At a minimum, health insurance must be affordable for everyone, and health care should be easily accessible. Ideally, health care should be treated as a human right, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and demonstrated by more compassionate nations.
Promises Made and Broken
Donald Trump made several promises regarding health care during his campaign: that premiums would not rise, individuals would not lose their coverage, and pre-existing conditions would remain protected. I struggle to understand why 63 million Americans trusted a known deceiver with their health, but what’s done is done. Proponents of the AHCA are not entirely wrong; it does not explicitly reinstate bans on those with pre-existing conditions or directly increase premiums. However, the implications are much more insidious.
The AHCA allows states to apply for waivers, which could enable them to charge older individuals significantly more than younger counterparts for the same insurance and eliminate vital health benefits such as maternity care and mental health services. States could also deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions or impose annual and lifetime limits on benefits, which would harm those who need it the most.
Another argument supporting the AHCA claims that as long as you maintain continuous coverage, your rates won’t be affected by a pre-existing condition. But consider this: what if you lose your job? A sudden stroke of bad luck could result in a 30% increase in premiums because your child was born with a congenital heart defect. Coverage lapses often occur during challenging times—job loss or transitioning to a better-paying position that disqualifies you from Medicaid. The AHCA would make it financially impossible to regain coverage during these vulnerable moments. To make insurance unattainable based on health history, age, or financial status is, in effect, the same as outright excluding those individuals, a promise Trump made not to pursue.
The Real Impact of Health Care Access
Access to health care is not a theoretical issue; it has a direct and profound effect on our lives. In 2015, I welcomed my incredible son into the world. While his early months seemed typical, he soon exhibited signs of developmental delays. His pediatrician reassured me, but by eight months, my instincts as a trained educator told me something was amiss. After extensive assessments, we received a diagnosis: cerebral palsy. Since then, we have relied on numerous therapies and services to aid his development, many of which are funded by Medicaid—funds that would be slashed by 25% if the AHCA passes. For children lacking health care, these special education services are often their only means of access to critical support. For families and educators, these services are essential, while the architects of the AHCA view them as expendable.
Our Call to Action
These are just a few reasons we must resist this unjust and inequitable legislation. I channel my fierce maternal instincts and stand ready to confront the injustices of the AHCA. Our children’s futures should not be compromised by political maneuvering. Health care should transcend party lines; the fact that it has devolved into a partisan struggle is disheartening. This matter is about morality and how we care for our most vulnerable—children, the elderly, the sick, and the impoverished. In 21st-century America, we should not entertain legislation that neglects those who need our support the most. This is our call to action.
In summary, the AHCA poses significant risks to the health and well-being of millions, particularly those with pre-existing conditions and vulnerable populations. As we consider the future of health care in America, it is crucial to advocate for equitable access for all, ensuring that our most at-risk citizens are protected.