This year, our health insurance premiums have risen again. It’s a familiar struggle, one that many families face. In our state, the governor opted out of federal funding to fully implement the Affordable Care Act, which means the burden falls on families like mine. The mandate requires us to purchase insurance regardless of whether we can afford it, and I can understand why some are frustrated. Personally, I dislike seeing another $200 vanish from our budget each month for a plan that hasn’t improved at all from last year.
Yet, I also recognize the value of having any insurance at all, all thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
When my partner, Mark, and I became serious over a decade ago, he got a new job that made us consider our future. He asked whether he should choose a PPO or an HMO, and I advised him to go with the PPO. “But I’m healthy,” he said. “I exercise, I’m never sick, and the HMO is cheaper.” I insisted, “You never know when you might get sick. It’s better to be safe!”
He ultimately chose to save money for dates instead. The very next day, he proposed. Shortly thereafter, while playing a softball game, he suffered a grand mal seizure. The diagnosis? Inoperable brain tumors—grade IV glioblastoma, one of the deadliest cancers out there.
You can imagine how reluctant his HMO was to cover the costs of his treatment. I spent countless hours battling $100,000 bills for surgeries, thousands for MRIs and chemotherapy, and tens of thousands for radiation therapy. Thankfully, my insistence on a thorough check-up led to timely coverage, which was crucial. Without coverage, if any gap occurred, he would lose his chance at insurance forever.
This was all before the Affordable Care Act came into play. If Mark survived, he would have faced a lifetime of pre-existing conditions that would have barred him from coverage for routine ailments.
When President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, Mark had been living with brain cancer for three long years. During that time, economic downturns forced him out of his job, pushing us into debt just to maintain COBRA coverage. We were committed to fighting for our health, but it was a daunting path. He needed MRIs every other month at a staggering cost and essential medications that were exorbitantly priced without insurance.
The ACA changed everything. It meant that Mark could have gaps in coverage without the fear of being denied insurance forever. We no longer had to worry about losing everything we had fought to maintain.
The public backlash against the Affordable Care Act often echoes the sentiments I shared with Mark long ago. “You never know when you could get sick.” It could be anything—a bus accident, a sudden illness—and just like that, you could face a lifetime without coverage.
Yes, insurance can be expensive. But that expense guarantees equal treatment, no lifetime caps, and the assurance that if illness strikes, we won’t lose our coverage. I remember reading articles about families facing “medical bankruptcy,” a common issue that could have easily been our reality.
We were fortunate. We navigated through the storm and held onto our insurance. Today, Mark is alive and has become a father to three beautiful girls. Yet, I can’t help but worry that they might inherit his genetic predisposition to cancer. Thankfully, advancements in treatment have come a long way, and Mark uses a device called Optune, which delivers electrical fields to disrupt tumor cells and has no side effects. With our insurance, we pay nothing after meeting our deductible. Without it, this life-saving treatment could cost us $35,000 each month.
So, when I grumble about an additional $200 in premiums, I think of the alternative—$35,000 more each month. My husband’s coworkers may complain about rising healthcare costs, but they can look at him and understand that their contributions help support a family that cherishes every moment together.
Every American knows someone who is alive today because of the Affordable Care Act. Though it isn’t flawless, without it, Mark would not be here. My family would be in dire straits. We are not alone; over 50 million Americans contend with pre-existing conditions, and our insurance provides us with security, peace of mind, and hope for a bright tomorrow.
To the policymakers aiming to dismantle the ACA, I urge you to reconsider. “Don’t be foolish! This truly matters.” This isn’t just about healthcare; it’s about who gets to live and thrive, and who faces the devastating consequences of illness due to mere chance.
Repealing the ACA could mean a death sentence for many, including incredible individuals like Mark, who simply found themselves battling illness.
For more insights into family planning and health, check out this post on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re considering starting a family, resources such as Make A Mom and UCSF’s Fertility Insurance FAQ provide excellent information.
Summary:
This article shares the journey of a family impacted by the Affordable Care Act, highlighting the critical role insurance plays in ensuring health and stability. Through personal experiences and challenges faced due to medical conditions, the piece underscores the importance of maintaining health insurance and the consequences of its potential repeal.