ACA makes lives better

As a fortunate, grateful public employee with excellent health insurance, I have a hard time understanding the instincts of fellow public servants in Congress who continue to be eager to repeal the Affordable Care Act and, in doing so, leave more than 140,000 Montanans, and countless other Americans, without a critical safety net. Closer to home, we hear of lawmakers at the Montana Legislature who seek to roll back Medicaid expansion, leaving 70,000 friends and neighbors at loose ends.

By nearly any measure, the law has been a success. And, while far from perfect, more Americans enjoy better health, better access to health care, more financial security and peace of mind. That's what any public servant should want for her constituents.

The ACA, which I'll affectionately call Obamacare, makes lives better, as does Medicaid expansion, which Gov. Steve Bullock championed in the 2015 legislative session.

Take Rebecca, a health-care worker who wouldn't be working without Medicaid. She's 24, takes care of a disabled brother and three clients who require in-home care. She has sleep apnea, which was undiagnosed before she was covered by Medicaid. It can also be fatal. At the very least, it's debilitating to the point that life can be miserable and work all but impossible.

But, because of Medicaid, Rebecca can sleep at night, breathe, work and take care of others. Her work saves the health-care system far more than it has invested in her condition. And her life is better.

Because of the ACA and Medicaid expansion, Celeste, whom I met in my office recently, continues to serve as a caregiver for in-home clients to whom she serves as helper, confidante, friend and family. She doesn't have to make a choice between food and medicine, gas for the car or glasses that allow her to see clearly.

Her life is better. But she's not selfish, so she spends her free time advocating for others. She gathered signatures, made phone calls, wrote letters and talked to her representatives about the importance of this safety net for our communities. Because of people like Celeste, other people have better lives.

Celeste asked me to join her in doing the things she does to make change. I'm asking you to do the same.

Please thank Gov. Bullock and U.S. Sen. Jon Tester for their support and perseverance in taking care of Montanans who need affordable access to basic health care. Contact U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and ask for his support for vulnerable Montanans. And when voters select a new member of the House of Representatives, remind that person. Call and write legislators. Be heard. Learn more. Take care of each other.

I believe that all of us deserve the access to health care that I and other public servants enjoy. So I'm supporting Medicaid, the ACA and, by extension, Rebecca, Celeste and thousands of other hard-working Montanans whose lives should be better.