Affordable Care Act is needed
To the editor:
In response to R.E. Workman’s “Voters and our Homeless” letter to the editor on July 17, Mr. Workman fails to address the real reasons behind homelessness in America. Many people are homeless because they are not able to afford medical care and prevention as well as treatment for mental illness. The figures on the number of Americans who lose their livelihoods because they get sick are astounding. In a society where healthcare for the average working American is not affordable, we need the Affordable Care Act. In a society where it is acceptable for corporations and other employers to fire employees who have gotten sick and are unable to work, we need the Affordable Care Act. In a society where hard working people lose their homes, are forced to file for bankruptcy and are unable to provide for their families because they cannot afford health insurance, we need the Affordable Care Act. The lack of affordable health insurance has put a stain on America in the eyes of the world and the Affordable Care Act is changing that. It has literally saved the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, allowing them to get treatment and continue to be productive citizens and support themselves and their families. It has changed the corporate model of health insurance and prevented insurance companies from denying coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions.
Perhaps those criticizing don’t understand the Affordable Care Act, or maybe they haven’t heard enough stories from people who have benefitted from it. We are the last of the developed countries to understand the importance of affordable health care for our society. When people are able to help themselves and get the essential medical care that they need we all benefit. Health insurance coverage under the ACA is not free, quite to the contrary. This is not a political issue, it is a human issue. Are we as a society willing to let millions of working Americans fall into bankruptcy, homelessness and chronic illness because a minority of politicians think it is OK? Although the ACA needs improvement and has a way to go before it serves its intended purpose, I am proud that our country has made these strides in my lifetime.
Furthermore, if you would like to engage in an intelligent conversation about what will move our country forward, I suggest critics be willing to discuss it in terms that preserve your credibility. Telling me to ‘ram it down my throat’ is not the way to do that.
Leslie Yaniga, RCIS, MS
Cape Coral