After decades of inaction, a year of work, unparalleled Republican obstruction and no small amount of leadership by President Obama, health care reform soon will be law. This bill will save lives. Millions who don’t have health coverage now will. And insurance companies won’t be able to drop people who get sick. And that means people like me, living with HIV/AIDS.
You can see a simple guide to the amazing provisions in the bill here, including things like closing the doughnut hole in Medicare. I spend over $5000 a year in meds during this damned period when my coverage takes a break in the stupid doughnut hole!
Republicans and their powerful partners have spent millions spreading lies aimed at killing reform. They have failed, and the American people have won. And that includes those of us living with HIV. The fact that the bill extends coverage to another 35 million people is also historic, and among that number are people with HIV/AIDS who haven’t had proper health care to date.
While I support ENDA and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, there is no piece of legislation that will affect our lives, and our health, more than health care reform. Now would be a really good time to drop a line to your elected official and thank them for supporting (or scream at them for opposing). Or contribute to the DNC or some other candidate who shares this view.
I’m convinced history will not look kindly on those who have tried in vain to deny such a basic right as HEALTH to citizens of this country.
