“It’s for people like me. And without it, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Laurie Merges.
Laurie, an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Ohio volunteer, credits Medicaid with saving her life. That’s why she decided to share her story last week at a Cleveland event organized by ACS CAN and other leading patient advocacy groups.
ACS CAN was joined at the event by the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, the March of Dimes and AARP Advocates.
The event highlighted the concerns that Ohioans have regarding national health care reforms, including the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which has already passed the House and is now being considered by the Senate.
The groups discussed AHCA’s many shortcomings that include: affordability of health insurance, access to essential care and protection for those on Medicaid.
Under AHCA, the 1.9 million Ohioans with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease, could see their insurance premiums skyrocket.
As well, AHCA would cut billions from Medicaid funding nationally over the next decade. Cutting Medicaid funding would have a significant effect on Ohio residents like Laurie who rely on Medicaid.
Just two months after Laurie was laid off due to downsizing, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, Ohio had expanded their Medicaid program and Laurie was able to receive the chemotherapy and cancer treatments she needed.
Without Medicaid, Laurie could not have afforded the lifesaving medical care.
At the event, ACS CAN and the other patient advocacy groups urged the Senate to protect patients first and to make sure that all patients like Laurie have access to the essential care that they need.
Read more about the event in an article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.