Americans need affordable health care

My daughter was raised here in Cedar Rapids. I worry about her like any mom- especially after taking her to Mayo Clinic when she was a one year-old for open heart surgery. My daughter, like 130 million other Americans, has preexisting conditions.

Her surgery was successful, however it will impact her ability to get affordable health care for the rest of her life. The Affordable Care Act allowed her to remain on my insurance until the age of 26.

Last year, at 25 years old, she had to have one more surgery on her heart. Because of the age provision in the ACA, she was still covered by my insurance. Her employer didn't offer coverage. She was still able to get the care she needed under my plan. I can't imagine how she would have gone through surgeries without the Affordable Care Act!

My daughter said, 'I would have gone broke or died from needing my second surgery. My condition has affected me in not being a normal young person. I don't save for a European trip or something fun so that I have a large cushion of savings. I have enough in my savings that I could pay off my student loan, but instead, I keep it in case things go bad. I choose a career because of health benefits. I could never take off for a trip with fear that I would be fired and lose those benefits. Having money for me isn't about luxury but safety!”

Debbie Koopman

Cedar Rapids