The ACA Saved My Life

My ACA health insurance saved my life this year when I was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent major surgery. Unfortunately, with brain cancer, there is no true cure and I will need regular medical care for the rest of my life. I want to share my story because this issue keeps me awake at night, and I don’t think enough people understand how critical it is to continue funding government-subsidized health insurance.

I’m a 30-year-old field biologist. My work is seasonal, so it’s not always consistent, but I work full time when work is available, and it’s what I love. I spend my days outdoors helping protect ecosystems and species — work that benefits all of us, even if the economy doesn’t reward it. I live simply and frugally and have always managed to get by. Before this year, I was healthy and rarely needed medical care. Then, out of nowhere, I was diagnosed with a golf-ball-sized brain tumor. None of us are immune to medical emergencies.

While undergoing treatment, I continued working, juggling my field job along with a remote data analysis position to keep up financially. I’m not afraid of hard work. But when it became clear how serious my condition was, I upgraded to a higher-quality (and much more expensive) ACA insurance plan. It was a blessing that I even had that option.

Now, because of federal budget cuts, a major portion of ACA tax credits has been eliminated. If this funding isn’t restored, my premiums alone are set to cost over half of my income, and that doesn’t include deductibles or out-of-pocket costs. This is why so many people are panicking. It’s why I lose sleep. For working people with modest incomes, especially those with serious health conditions, this is devastating.

My only other option would be to apply for disability, which I might qualify for given my situation. But that would mean I stop working, something I’m not willing to do unless absolutely necessary. I’d also like to think most taxpayers prefer that people like me continue working and contributing.

I have been contacting my senators in Florida about this issue daily and have received dismissive, even insulting responses. It’s disheartening to feel like your voice doesn’t matter, that elected officials don’t care about people who are just trying to stay alive and afloat.

Social safety nets exist to protect all Americans, and you never know when you might be the one who needs them.

—Brittany Roy

Have thoughts? Submit a letter to the editor.