I like the word Obamacare. Obama does care. Real people are thrilled with the new healthcare laws. The media isn't focusing hugely on these Thankful forObamacare stories. It's up to the blogosphere to do so to counter the $Millions being spent by the GOP to spread lies and disinformation about ACA.
So, for the record, I compiled a few stories I could find online of HOW OBAMACARE HELPED. Links to the stories are provided with a short paraphrase. Obviously, there are thousands, maybe millions already helped by Obamacare. We need to share them if the media refuses to focus on this.
Let's start with this story about a Small Business Owner, Mary Brown:
Obamacare Helps Small Business
Health Care Reform Saved My Small Auto Shop
Living the American Dream with her own Auto Body shop, Mary Brown was denied health insurance because of psoriasis. Obamacare made it possible for her to get the health insurance she needed immediately.
Mary has some very logical words for the rest of America:
My sister, a Republican, has been skeptical of health reform, but even she admits that it’s working for people like me.
I’m sure some people might say I’m at fault for my own situation. Even though I would have been rejected whenever I applied due to my pre-existing condition, I still feel some responsibility for not applying for health coverage when I was younger.
But isn’t personal responsibility part of the point of health care reform? The new law is built on the idea of sharing responsibility to fix a broken system.
It’s the insurance companies’ responsibility to stop denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.
It’s the government’s responsibility to ensure that coverage is affordable with premium assistance on a sliding scale and tax credits for small businesses.
And, if we get access to coverage that’s affordable, isn’t it all of our responsibility to be a part of the solution by purchasing insurance?
If any one of us – insurance companies, the government, or individuals – fails on our end of the bargain, reform breaks down.
You rock, Mary Brown! You hit the nail on the head. ACA works when we all work together.
More stories below. We could use more stories. Perhaps you can share how you and/or someone you know has been helped by Obamacare. I will udate diary to include your stories under the categories set up below. Did I miss a category?
Team Daily Kos, let's provide the media with lots of stories of how Obamacare is helping real people by sharing real stories. Thank you for your help.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS:
Here's an interesting story from an adult, recovering alcholic who, after succeeding, was denied health insurance because he actually got treatment:
How Obamacare Helped Me
He decided to quit drinking, went to his doctor, was given a med, and it worked. But, he was then denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition: Substance abuse and anxiety. After 18 months, when Obamacare became law, no insurance company could refuse him and was able to become health insured.
Young doctor, Sonia, contracted rheumatoid arthritis, kicked off her parents insurance plan at age 23. Her meds cost her $1,900 out-of-pocket a month. When ACA was passed she was able to get health insurance again. Her co-pay for her meds are now $20 a month.
Three time cancer survivor, first case at age 10, is no longer discriminated against:
The Disabled, a true story:
Why President Obama's Health Care Law Is a Big Win for the Disabled Community
As many Americans know, not all jobs come with benefits, and such was the case with the one I acquired after much searching. Initially, I was making more money and was able to provide a better life for both of us than we had before, but I soon realized that if my health took a turn for the worse, I would be in a world of trouble.
Spina bifida, like all disabilities, comes with its own set of complications. For people living with my condition, kidney problems are par for the course. I have been on medication my entire life to prevent infections and kidney damage. When I began working, I lost my Medicaid and could not afford the medication I needed, so I went without. As a result, I had to make several trips to the emergency room for severe kidney infections. I would get so sick that my kidneys would bleed and they would put me on IV antibiotics. The doctors would tell me to take my medicine, but it was not that simple. Without insurance, the ER was the only way I could be seen by a medical professional.
I was caught in a catch-22. Yes, I was making more money working, but now I was without health insurance and was growing deeper in debt with each hospital visit.
Senior citizen, with Supplemental Medicare Plan, getting preventative care has more peace of mind:
Thank you Obamacare, the insurance companies can't deny us anymore. A great video compilation
There is a Thank You Obamacare Website.
Women with health insurance are finally getting coverage for Preventative Care and Screenings.
Women’s Preventative Care enhancements
Keep an eye out for the new preventative care options being released later in 2012.
The new enhancements reads as follows:
In guidelines released August 1, 2011, HHS outlined required preventive care services for women. The guidelines require nongrandfathered individual and group health plans to include these services without cost sharing:
Well-woman visits
Screening for gestational diabetes
Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV)
Counseling for sexually transmitted infections
Screening and counseling for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
FDA-approved contraception methods and contraceptive counseling
Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling
Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence
RULES FOR INSURERS:
For group health plans, these services must be provided at the first plan year on or after August 1, 2012.
For individual plans, the services must be provided in new policies beginning on or after August 1, 2012, and
existing policies beginning at the start of the next policy year following August 1, 2012 (generally January 1, 2013).
System and market considerations may accelerate the effective date in the individual market in some states.
Thank you Obamacare Video
From a college student:
musthavebeentheweather
I got scared today when I got a hospital bill in the mail, only to remember that since I’m covered on my parents’ insurance until I’m 26, I could get the bill taken care of without emptying my bank account (not exaggerating on that one) to do so.
Things like this are really important to a 19 year old college student who works part time and has to save every penny for things like rent and food, especially when hospital services are so astronomically expensive.
So, thanks Obamacare.
Defeated, Health Insurers Cut Lobby Costs, Thank You Obamacare!
Well, not exactly. Read the article for details.
However, the restrictive conditions such as the minimum medical loss ratio ( MLR ) have made the insurance companies apprehensive about it.
Thus, all health insurers focused their lobbying on the health care overhaul, while simultaneously lobbying on a variety of other issues as well. However, WellPoint lobbied solely on the various provisions of the reform bill, such as insurance exchanges, rate regulations, essential health benefits and minimum MLR.
DO YOU HAVE A STORY YOU CAN ADD?
Let's list hundreds. If you find a story online, please provide link to story.
THANK YOU DAILY KOS MEMBERS FOR CONTRIBUTING THE FOLLOWING:
Child With Special Needs
coquiero:
Daughter with special needs. No longer have to hide it. No longer living in fear about fraud accusations. No more worrying about her future (well, at least I can cross one worry off the list.)
It's a simple story, shared by many I'm sure, but it has made all the difference in our lives.
That we had to wait so long to get to this point is a mark of shame upon the United States of America. Still, I'm glad we got here.
Student's hearing saved because of Obamacare
TarantinoDork
Courtesy the 'til age 26' provision last year after a nasty cold left me with a perforated eardrum I was able to see the doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics. Left untreated I'd have risked infection and possibly permanent hearing loss.
Thanks for helping me still hear in both ears Mr. President.
DataMonste
Both my kids can stay on my coverage.