#IAmAPreExistingCondition shows just how many people will be impacted by the Obamacare repeal
Donald Trump and the GOP scored a “victory” on May 4th when the House voted to repeal Obamacare and replace it with the American Health Care Act. Next, the bill goes to Senate, where it faces an uncertain future — but the fact that the AHCA has made it this far is distressing, to say the least.
The list of “pre-existing conditions,” which would result in complete loss of insurance or skyrocketing premiums for those affected, is the most staggering part of the bill.
Under the GOP’s plan, a history of sexual assault, domestic violence, postpartum depression, or a C-section could qualify as preexisting conditions.
"The bill passed by the House today will result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance and those with pre-existing health conditions face the possibility of going back to the time when insurers could charge them premiums that made access to coverage out of the question," American Medical Association (AMA) President Andrew Gurman said in response to the vote.
Like so many others, I’m a walking pre-existing condition.
I have a history of childhood epilepsy. An eating disorder that took over my life for more than a decade — and that I only recovered from because I received the highest-quality treatment, thanks to my parents’ top-notch insurance and resources. I’m a sexual assault survivor. I currently have a dual diagnosis of PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder. And, I’m self-employed — so both Obamacare and Planned Parenthood have been invaluable resources for me.
I’m in the company of millions of women and men. A hashtag started by HuffPostWomen, #IAmAPreexistingCondition, immediately went viral.
Women & femmes: do you have a "pre-existing" condition under the AHCA? Let us know how it would affect you with #IAmAPreexistingCondition
— HuffPost Women (@HuffPostWomen) May 4, 2017
Using this hashtag, people have shared their stories and conditions , showing the sheer amount of individuals who will be deeply impacted by the AHCA if the bill passes in the Senate.
I am a rape victim. But my rapist would get to keep his healthcare. #IAmAPreexistingCondition #VoteNo
— maureenshaw (@MaureenShaw) May 4, 2017
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https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/860219734100410369
Today, AHCA passed and the "religious freedom" EO was signed. It's a bad day for gay mentally ill people like me. #iamapreexistingcondition
— Jessica Beroldi 🏳️🌈 (@jstapfinator) May 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/860187472940216320
Survivor of DV, had a c-section, sometime sufferer of anemia, asthma. Mom of an autistic son who will suffer most. #IAmAPreexistingCondition https://t.co/PxFaKzvpQy
— gothy zbornak 🖤💚🐋 (@Kaiwhakamarie) May 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/860198639846572032
I had no control over the fact that I was born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Healthcare lets me work & function. #IAmAPreExistingCondition
— Chelsea Kenna (@chelseakenna) May 4, 2017
I have Lupus and Fibromyalgia. I don't smoke or drink. I exercise and am a healthy weight. #iamapreexistingcondition #scaredforthefuture
— Autoimmune Warrior (@AI_Warriors) May 4, 2017
false
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/860256138306002944
As these Tweets prove, few people will be safe under the AHCA. If you’re horrified by the prospect of this bill becoming law, here’s how to call your Senators and make your voice heard before the vote takes place.
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