This week we’re joining people around the country in saying thanks to President Obama for his hard work in passing the Affordable Care Act two years ago. In honor of the anniversary and the fact that the Supreme Court is holding hearings this week on the constitutionality of the ACA, we thought we’d share some of the reasons that make us want to say “Thanks, Obamacare.”
There are 141,700 Michiganders with pre-existing conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. We can’t let insurance companies go back to denying hardworking Americans the coverage they need because they’re more concerned with preserving their bottom line than actually taking care of sick people. 130 million Americans have pre-existing conditions, and insurance companies can no longer use that as an excuse to shut them out, rip them off or cut off their coverage.
Over 3.5 million Michiganders with life-threatening illnesses no longer have to live in fear of running into lifetime caps on their coverage. Medical problems used to contribute to almost half of all bankruptcy filings, even though three-fourths of people who filed had health insurance. That was just plain wrong – but now families who have to deal with chronic conditions can focus on living their lives, not worrying about whether insurance companies will cut them off.
45 million women now have access to preventive health care services like mammograms without having to pay extra out of pocket. Insurance companies can no longer charge women more than men for the same benefits or deny coverage because of a “pre-existing condition” like pregnancy. No woman should have to pay more for health care benefits simply because of her gender.
For generations, Americans have counted on Medicare to be able to retire in dignity – and now more than 84,000 Michiganders with Medicare have saved nearly $49 million on prescription drugs. We need leaders who are willing to stand up for Medicare, not those who would just turn it into a voucher program.
College students are more likely to be uninsured than any other age group, potentially leaving young Michiganders just one major accident away from bankruptcy. In Michigan alone, over 57,000 more young adults now have coverage because insurance companies can no longer kick them off their parents’ plans.
You aren’t alone if all these facts make you want to stand with us and say, “I like Obamacare.” This week, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments about whether the Affordable Care Act is constitutional. It’s important that we get the word out about how health care works for millions of Americans – will you help us today by standing with us and writing a letter to the editor to ensure your voice is heard? As you know, this fight is so much bigger than partisan politics, and we need to stand together to make sure people get the facts.