Ernst’s ACA stance is unacceptable

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a struggling economy, the Trump administration has been working on repealing the Affordable Care Act. President Donald Trump has been determined to dismantle the law since he took office.

For the roughly 25 million people out of work and collecting unemployment benefits, the ACA marketplaces and Medicaid expansion provide avenues to gain health care services, while protecting those with preexisting conditions. One in 3 Iowans would lose health care coverage if the ACA were to be repealed. There is no suitable replacement for the plan by the Republican-led Senate.

In Iowa, Sen. Joni Ernst is tying her opposition to the ACA to her reelection campaign. It is important to state and national Democrats and progressives to keep her from securing a second term.

Maggie Stillwell, a spokesperson from Iowa Forward calls Ernst's votes to take away Iowans' health care 'reckless and unacceptable.” Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has made a priority to protect and enhance the ACA.

Iowans must be able to maintain health care coverage, with the protection for those with preexisting conditions. It is clear that Joni Ernst is not willing to provide health care to all Iowans, and will leave them at the mercy of insurance companies during a pandemic.

Helane Golden

Cedar Rapids