To the Editor,

For my entire working life, I have paid for medical insurance, first for myself and later for my family. Now, because of the Affordable Care Act, I no longer have to worry about my insurance company dropping me if I get sick. Now, because of the ACA, my insurance company cannot deny coverage to my children because of a preexisting condition. Now, because of the ACA, I don’t worry about the insurance company putting a lifetime cap on our coverage if one of us has a catastrophic accident or illness. Now, because of the ACA, my children can stay on our policy until they are 26 years old. Now, because of the ACA, my wife will no longer have to pay up to 50 percent more for her insurance simply because she is a woman. Now, because of the ACA, our insurance will cover preventive services such as vaccinations, mammograms, and cancer screenings without a co-pay.

And now, because of the ACA, my parents who have Medicare get a free annual wellness exam and the doughnut hole for prescription drug coverage is being closed.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we are on the road to health care coverage that is secure and fair. All Americans who work hard and play by the rules should have the security that comes with good, affordable health insurance— health insurance we and our families can rely on. The Affordable Care Act is already helping me, it is helping my family, and it is helping millions of Americans.

Chuck Dickson

Waynesville