“She was an inspiration to me:” Obama honors Medina Township woman who was face of ACA

Akron Beacon Journal (OH)

President Barack Obama paid tribute Wednesday on Twitter to a Medina Township woman whose story of soaring health insurance premiums was often cited in the push to pass the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

"By telling her story, Natoma Canfield helped us pass the Affordable Care Act," Obama wrote on the Twitter post, where he shared an Akron Beacon Journal story about Canfield's death. "She was an inspiration to me and so many others, which is why her letter still hangs in my office. Michelle and I send our condolences to Natoma's family."

By telling her story, Natoma Canfield helped us pass the Affordable Care Act. She was an inspiration to me and so many others, which is why her letter still hangs in my office. Michelle and I send our condolences to Natoma's family. https://t.co/QwII5NNM4P

Natoma Canfield: Medina woman, who became face of Affordable Care Act after writing to Obama in 2009, dies

Canfield's letter on Dec. 29, 2009, discussed her battle with cancer and inability to afford health insurance premiums.

"Thanks to this incredible premium increase demanded by my insurance company, January will be my last month of insurance," she wrote in the letter saying her premiums were up 25 percent in 2009 and 40 percent in 2010. "I need your health reform bill to help me!!! I simply can no longer afford to pay for my health care costs!!"

"I carried Natoma's story with me every day of the fight to pass this law," the president said June 28, 2012, after a U.S. Supreme Court decision ruling the ACA was constitutional. "It reminded me of all the Americans, all across the country, who have had to worry not only about getting sick, but about the cost of getting well."

Here is a collection of responses to Obama's tweet honoring Canfield.

So sorry for the families loss Natoma was a inspiration for Americans!

Grateful for Natoma's willingness to share her story, and for your authentic listening and perseverance. Thinking of Connie and and the rest of Natoma's family.

This story shows how individuals can make a difference. I hope her family can take solace in her courage and grace.

I was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. I owe both you and Natoma a debt of gratitude for the peace of mind I have. Without the ACA, I would live in fear of financial ruin.

We need more people like her

Akron Beacon Journal reporter Alan Ashworth contributed to this report.