I am a cancer survivor and my health coverage is my lifeline. Access to timely treatment, affordable medications, regular screenings and doctor visits are essential and are the reason why I am alive today. Any breaks in coverage could mean delayed care and dire consequences for my health.
As members of Congress begin to debate repeal and replace options for the current health-care law, I am anxious for cancer patients, survivors and their families in Rhode Island who are relying on marketplace plans for their coverage. I am grateful that U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I, has shown that he shares these concerns. Disruptions in care could be devastating for these people. And the constant worry about how they might afford care in the future contributes to stress that cancer patients don't need.
Repealing the Affordable Care Act with no adequate and immediate replacement could destabilize the health-care market and create gaps in care for millions of cancer patients, survivors and those at risk for the disease.
Representative Cicilline should urge his colleagues in Congress to folow in his footsteps and work to guarantee continuous access to meaningful health coverage for cancer patients and their families. Anything less than that simply can't be an option.
Joyce Dolbec
North Smithfield