Celebrating 5 years: The personal stories behind the Affordable Care Act numbers
By Judy Sarasohn, HHS (Public Affairs)
Posted March 23, 2015
Since the Affordable Care Act was passed five years ago, some 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage, chiefly because of the availability of affordable insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplaces, the ability of young people up to age 26 to stay on their parents’ plans, and Medicaid expansion.
These are good numbers. But behind these figures are the stories of people who now have peace of mind and security because they have health coverage that’s there when they need it. Coverage that can’t be denied because of a pre-existing condition. Coverage that allows them to take a risk to start their own business rather than sticking with a job just for the health insurance benefits.
As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, here are just a few of the stories that people have shared with us about what having health insurance means to them.
Barry Walsh, 61, Nashville:
“Music is my career and life. And for a musician, having a condition that curls up your fingers is terrifying. Not having adequate health insurance to cover the surgery and medical care you need is, well, worse than scary.”
Chad Mason, 36, Lynchburg, Virginia:
“I work in a restaurant where our only benefits are tips and free food. But thanks to the ACA, I was able to get covered through the Marketplace and take care of my injured shoulder.”
Earnest Evans, 59, Chicago:
“When my wife Sharon was diagnosed with lung and breast cancer, I wanted to resign from my job to become a full-time caregiver. While we were in a position to afford insurance on the private market, no private insurance company would write us a policy due to Sharon’s pre-existing condition. …The ACA allowed me to be by Sharon’s side during her treatment.”
Elena Miller-TerKuile, 27, La Jara, Colorado:
“I think of having health insurance as freedom, the freedom to decide what I want to do with my life.”
Eric Lovely, 33, Denver:
“You never know when you might need health insurance. Whether it’s a car accident, pneumonia, or even an avalanche, like the one that ruptured my spleen, health problems can surprise you at any time.”
James Jackson, 30, Pensacola, Florida:
“Insurers used to refuse to cover me because I’m a type 1 diabetic. But thanks to the ACA, I was able to enroll in coverage without worrying about my pre-existing condition. … When I realized something was really wrong with my eyes, the first thing I thought about was the fact that I’m insured now. It was just a huge relief, knowing that I was going to get my eyes fixed and not have to worry about the money part of it.”
Jennifer Molina, 20, Charlotte, North Carolina:
“As a Latina, I know that I’m at a higher risk for illnesses like diabetes and cervical cancer. At the same time, Latinos are more likely to be uninsured than any other racial or ethnic group. So it was important to me that my family and I have the tools we need to take care of ourselves. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we now do.”
Rusk Elatassi, 37, Houston:
“I wouldn’t drive without car insurance, there’s too much to lose. And I realized that my health is more important than any car, especially if I could risk burdening my wife or kids with crazy medical bills.”
Enrollment in health insurance is incredibly important but it is still just a first step toward a healthier life. Coverage works best when you know how to use it. If you need help understanding your benefits and bills, how to make doctor appointments, and ways to stay healthy, please check out the consumer guide at hhs.gov/CoverageToCare.
The Gayly - March 24, 2015 @ 10:50am.