In support of Obamacare

The fate of the Affordable Healthcare Act (or Obamacare, as it is derisively called by its detractors) is hanging by a thread. The Supreme Court is in deliberation and will vote on whether it will be fully implemented or stricken from the record. The point of contention is whether it is lawful to require everyone to purchase healthcare. If we all have to buy car insurance, why not health insurance? I realize that may be a simplistic way of looking at it, and I am not qualified to argue the numerous details. But I think we would not be at this point if more people had taken the time to educate themselves on what the Healthcare Act can do for them.

Currently, if you have a young adult child, they can still be covered by your health insurance till the age of 26. They do not have to be a full- or part-time student. If your child has a pre-existing condition, they cannot be denied coverage. Insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime cap on your coverage. Small businesses can get tax credits to help provide health benefits. And if you have Medicare, you receive a free annual wellness visit to your doctor, free preventive care, and there is a gradual closing of the “doughnut hole” coverage gap for Medicare prescriptions.

Those are just a few of the existing provisions that could be taken away from you.

By 2014, no one can be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions and cannot be dropped when they become sick. Women will no longer be charged more for the same coverage as men. There will be in place Internet-based insurance markets to help consumers shop and compare health plans. And everyone will have access to insurance, so if you lose your job or want to start a business, you can still get affordable health insurance.

My family has already benefited from some of the areas now in effect. I would hate to lose them. And I’m especially looking forward to the security offered in 2014 when I cannot be dropped if I become sick or denied coverage for a pre-existing condition. I sincerely hope that the Supreme Court rules in favor of the Healthcare Act. I like Obamacare.

Miriam Ellis

La Cañada Flintridge