Seniors, activists and mothers find themselves united as total strangers in the cause to save health insurance for over 20 million people.
Inspired by the personal stories of Pennsylvanians who have found access to treatment and well-being thanks to the Affordable Care Act, I left Friday’s 24-hour vigil in front of Sen. Pat Toomey’s Philadelphia office recharged and ready for the fight that awaits.
In front of a row of news cameras on a humid morning, Brian told the fired up crowd that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer several years ago. Without Gov. Wolf’s decision to expand access to Medicaid insurance under the ACA, the Quakertown resident said he probably would have died.
Like Brian, more than 703,000 Pennsylvanians have gained access to Medicaid, according to PHAN, which sponsored the rally. Under both the House and Senate proposals in Congress, Medicaid would face drastic cutbacks. Many details of the Senate plan, which Toomey supports, were not known until this week because Republican leaders refused to release specifics or hold public hearings.
“When they go low, we go local,” Philadelphia Councilwoman Helen Gym said.
She encouraged people to speak up, hold their elected officials accountable and keep fighting. The diverse crowd included young mothers with children, senior citizens and the disabled. Many carried protest signs and participated in chants when the cameras were both on and off, while basking in the recognition of honking cars passing by on Chestnut Street.
Religious leaders underscored the magnitude of political decisions that affect individuals’ health. The Rev. Robin Hynicka of Arch Street United Methodist Church pointed out that people with insurance can lead improved lives -- contributing to their communities and economy.
“This whole process that is going down is an assault on democracy,” Hynicka said. “It’s an assault on human decency. Any human being ought to have healthcare as a human right.”
The author of this post, Mike Hays, is an Ardmore resident. He recently ran for the Ward 4 Board of Commissioners seat in the Democratic primary.