I wanted to take some time to lay out my thoughts on the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care (s)) and the upcoming ruling by the Supreme Court , which may dismantle it.
I followed the current health care law since it's inception (spent many hours obsessively watching c-span). I was fascinated by the idea of historic health care reform-something that could save the lives of millions of uninsured and improve the lives of millions more individuals. I watched the back-room deal making (at the least the reporting of such) with some chagrin, but I held out hope for the final product. When the votes were cast and the bill passed-I was elated. I felt that the arc of history was finally bending toward justice and that America had become a more fair and moral country overall. 36 million set to receive insurance, kids with cancer will no longer be kicked off their health insurance plans, women will receive free preventative testing and care, the under insured can now shop in insurance exchanges. I had never been more proud to be an American (and a Democrat) in my life.
Many of those feelings still remain. The Health Care Law is a big reason why I so enthusiastically support the President and why the Republicans are anathema to me. I am proud that around 2.5 million youth have already received health insurance because of the bill: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/12/20111214b.html
I was allowed to stay on my mother's insurance while job searching because of the Health Care Law (and can remain until 26). A fact that gained importance when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis last year. The Health Care Law, if it stands, will allow me to find insurance after 26 and to not be denied for my pre-existing condition. I am continually thankful for the President and the Democrats in Congress who have made my care more affordable and my life a little easier.
The bill, and now the law, was and is not perfect. I was advocate for the Public Option and was disappointed when the individual mandate took it's place (the Supreme Court may well decide that this mandate is unconstitutional as of Wednesday or Thursday). This said, I am a strong supporter of the law and am extremely anxious to see it upheld in its entirety.
If the Supreme Court finds the law, or major parts of the law, unconstitutional, more children will lose health insurance because of their cancers or diabetes. More young adults will have to go without health insurance. More women will have to pay for vital screenings and many more women will forgo such screenings. More hard working Americans will declare bankruptcy due to a major and unexpected illness-to no fault of their own (due to lack of health insurance, which fewer and fewer employers provide).
I am a testament to the Health Care Law's positive aspects. I urge the Supreme Court (since they assuredly read my blog!) to uphold the law. Millions of Americans will thank you in the end.
Thanks for reading,
Cameron Morgan
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