I have to say that I am shocked that a country like America does not see access to health care as a human right. It makes me nervous to know that Congress is in the process of trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which has provided some basic (and what one would assume to be obvious) rules that insurers need to abide by.
My partner of two and a half years suffers from bipolar and substance-use disorder, and while she works hard to build in daily routines to maintain her mental health and sobriety, she also relies on medical services. I do as much as I can to help support her when she is going through periods of depression, but I know full well that I alone cannot give her the help that she needs.
If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, I fear for people like myself and their loved ones around the country that require mental health coverage and the ability to access health care, regardless of pre-existing conditions.
I am really disappointed that my representative, Bruce Poliquin, supported the devastating cuts to critical programs like Medicaid and other terrible ideas contained within the Republican House plan.
On the other hand, I am glad that Sen. Susan Collins has publicly refused to support the recent Senate-version health care plan and ones prior. I hope she continues to stay strong for the thousands of Mainers who depend on the ACA or Medicaid.
Kaelyne Thompson, Lewiston
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