For many, losing the ACA could mean losing access to essential healthcare that could be life-saving. But the impacts of repealing this legislation extend beyond those directly enrolled in ACA plans. Many workers could face unemployment as a ripple effect of the repeal, and benefits such as access to birth control and lactation support could be jeopardized.
What might come as a surprise is that millions of vulnerable children could also be left without health insurance if the ACA is repealed — and that’s a serious issue not to be overlooked. According to Forbes, the ACA has expanded Medicaid coverage to countless families who previously didn’t qualify, potentially leaving 13 million children uninsured if the law is rolled back. When President Obama signed the ACA into law six years ago, many families gained Medicaid eligibility due to increased federal funding; 31 states and the District of Columbia were among those who benefited from this expansion.
A report from the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center, released in December 2016, highlighted the potential fallout: “We find that 4.4 million children and 7.6 million parents could lose coverage in 2019 if Congress’s budget reconciliation process repeals pieces of the ACA without a replacement plan,” the researchers noted.
We shouldn’t take this lightly. If you’ve never had to worry about your children’s health insurance, consider yourself fortunate, but you never know when you might find yourself in need of the safety net that Medicaid provides.
Real-Life Impact: The Johnson Family
Take, for example, a family like the Johnsons. When Alex unexpectedly lost his job in 2012 — the one that provided their health insurance — his wife, Maria, was already pregnant with their second child. They had a 5-year-old son who required regular asthma medication. In a panic about how to cover medical expenses, they navigated the maze of bureaucracy to qualify for Medicaid that year, even while Alex took on part-time work as a substitute teacher. Their son received the care he needed, and Maria’s prenatal visits were fully covered. Luckily, Alex found a new job with health insurance, but they’ll always be thankful for Medicaid’s support when they needed it most.
Imagine if the Johnsons had been denied coverage simply because Alex’s new part-time salary made them ineligible. How can we claim to be a caring society if we can’t support our most vulnerable citizens? The ACA hasn’t been repealed yet, so there’s still time to advocate for a replacement that protects these essential health benefits.
Make Your Voice Heard
Want to make your voice heard? Reach out to your senators and express your concerns about the potential loss of life-saving health coverage. You can use this simple script: “Hello! I am concerned about the women, men, and children who might lose their health insurance as a result of repealing the Affordable Care Act. I urge you to halt the repeal or come up with a viable alternative that maintains the critical benefits provided by the ACA. Thank you!”
Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just a concerned citizen, your voice matters. For more on family planning and support, check out this article on home insemination kits. And if you’re looking for expert guidance, Make A Mom is a valuable resource. Additionally, for a deeper dive into fertility matters, visit Medical News Today.
Conclusion
In summary, the potential repeal of the ACA could lead to a significant loss of Medicaid coverage for millions of children, affecting not only their health but the wellbeing of entire families. It’s crucial to advocate for the preservation of these essential health benefits and ensure that our most vulnerable populations receive the care they need.