ACA repeal has consequences

Donald Trump and Republicans have stated they will move quickly to repeal the Affordable Care Act. While flawed, the ACA has brought access to health care to millions of Americans who otherwise would not have it.

Americans need to consider what they will lose. The ACA prohibits insurers from imposing lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits, annual dollar limits on benefits and dropping patients when they become ill. With repeal, your insurer could drop your coverage while you are ill.

The ACA prohibits insurers from excluding coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions. Without it, you may not be able to get coverage for your particular health conditions, or even to get health insurance, period. The ACA ensures that insurance plans must cover most preventive care. Without it, you may have to pay for all or part of that care.

The ACA was set to eliminate the Medicare Part D coverage gap. If repealed, seniors will struggle with the coverage “doughnut hole” whereby they must pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for their medications.

Spokane County’s Republican congresswoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, wants to repeal the ACA. Call and urge her not to repeal it.

Elizabeth O’Halloran, MD

Spokane