I live with MS: Access to affordable healthcare is my lifeline | Opinion

As someone who’s been living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for 20 years, the Affordable Care Act is more than just a policy—it’s a lifeline.

The law’s protections for people with preexisting conditions are essential to my physical and financial well-being.

Storytime: I vividly recall my college years when I aged out of my mother’s work insurance. Suddenly, my only option was to sign up for a university’s plan, not because it was the best choice but because it was the only affordable, comprehensive one that would accept me.

Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies in most states could outright deny coverage, charge exorbitant premiums, or limit benefits based on pre-existing conditions. This lack of options forced me into significant student debt to manage my health.

The ACA, especially in South Florida, changed everything. It gave millions of others and me the security of knowing that our health conditions wouldn’t disqualify us from the coverage we desperately needed.

Living with MS is a daily challenge, from managing symptoms and my dynamic disability to navigating the complex world of treatments and medications. The support provided by the ACA is a safeguard that allows me to access the care I need without the constant fear of financial hardship.

And it’s not just me. More than four million Floridians rely on the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” to maintain access to our healthcare needs. For many of us, these protections ensure we can receive the necessary treatments to manage our conditions and maintain our quality of life.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, these critical protections have been preserved and expanded. I’ve experienced firsthand the relief brought two years ago when the White House again lowered healthcare costs through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Medicare now negotiates lower prices for some of the most expensive drugs, including those for diabetes, heart problems, blood clots and autoimmune disorders.

This means that people with Medicare get their insulin capped at $35 a month, free recommended vaccines and protection against drug companies hiking prices faster than inflation. Starting next year, there’s even a cap on seniors’ annual drug costs at $2,000, which is a massive improvement from before.

These changes have saved thousands of dollars in health care costs, offering much-needed financial relief and making it possible for people like me to afford the care we need. Dealing with MS, I’ve often had to navigate a sea of medical appointments, therapies, and medications. The reduction in healthcare costs means that I can focus more on my health and less on financial strain.

Living with MS is a constant battle, and having access to affordable healthcare is essential for managing my condition. The financial strain of medical bills can be overwhelming, and without the provisions of the ACA many of us would be forced to choose between our health and our livelihood. This is a reality for millions of Americans, and it’s why the stakes in the upcoming election are so high.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats in Congress have taken on big pharmaceutical companies and won, ensuring more affordable healthcare for all. But there’s a looming threat. In the past, Republicans have tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If they succeed in the future, 45 million Americans could lose coverage, and nearly 20 million people like me would face higher premiums, with seniors on Medicare bearing increased prescription costs.

As we head toward the 2024 November election, healthcare remains a pivotal issue for both parties. We need to safeguard and build on the successful programs that are working for Florida families.

For people like me with MS and for millions of others with chronic illnesses and disabilities, access to affordable healthcare is not just a political issue—it’s a matter of survival.

Monica Lynne is a Miami native who runs an online community called The Status Go, which is dedicated to evidence-based tools and tips for living your best life with MS.