The Facts
Yesterday, the House passed a bill to repeal and replace the ACA (Obamacare). This is just one battle in the larger fight; the bill is not yet law, it still needs Senate review & approval. For more information, see articles (or 3-min audio clip below) covering the bill by The New York Times and NPR.
The Feelings
At Diabetes Hands Foundation, we are fearful of an unknown future and a healthcare bill that doesnt care for those with diabetes and pre-existing conditions. What will happen? How will those decisions affect people with diabetes? There is a much bigger battle to face than budgetary talk of federal deficit. What beliefs are driving these votes? Beliefs that a diagnosis is solely an individuals fault, and responsibility? Beliefs that a diagnosis is natural selection at work? Those questions are at the root of this healthcare debate and matter to people on either side of party lines that live with a health condition.
Members of our community are sharing their feelings with us, and we stand in solidarity with their fears and concerns.
- Im feeling rather hopeless, to be honest. Frustrated, scared, and confused as well, but ultimately hopeless. Ive lost faith in the American public to do even rudimentary research on the issues David49
- I feel worried about pretty much everything I feel my sons health is in the hands of a group of people who have never experienced not being able to afford their life-saving medication. Mila
- Horrified and angry and devastated for the many people who will be sicker and die from this. cardamom
- I am still uninsured as there was no way I could pay the ACA premiums and continue to pay mortgage, utilities, food, and diabetes supplies. Being homeless and insured just wasnt an attractive option for me. JoAnn2
Whats next?
The ACA is still in effect; there are many more steps in the process to get a full repeal and replacement into law. We will never have all the answers, or know what the future will hold, but we will wade through this together, in solidarity, as a community. We may have differing opinions about politics and the right solution, but we will stand together in our need for healthcare, and our belief that wealth should not be a requirement for health.
The bill will be moving to the Senate for review & approval; this process is typically slower and will give us more opportunities to take action. Download DPACs new app an easy format to make tweeting, calling, learning easy! Also, reach out to friends from other chronic condition and healthcare groups asking for the same protections to discuss and encourage action we are in this together.