health care is a right

I had a stroke at age 18, so I was uninsurable on my own due to preexisting conditions my whole adult life. Fortunately, I was able to be on work based insurance because I worked since age 14. After my stroke's long rehabilitation, I received a Master's in Social Work, so I continued to always have insurance through work. In 2015 that changed when I was diagnosed with progressive cognitive impairment and Parkinson's at age 43. It is progressing quicker than my doctors had hoped.  I was awarded Social Security Disability Income in only three weeks because my brain functioning is so bad, but I won't be eligible for Medicare for 2 years. Everyone who receives SSDI must wait two years to get their Medicare. At the time when people are sickest and most financially taxed, they must pay for private insurance. Before the ACA, insurers refused to cover these people and COBRA or a spouse's work coverage was the only option. My COBRA would cost $1300 per month, but I instead I pay $421, unsubsidized, through the ACA exchange Optima SilverFit plan. I am able to see all my same specialists and have gotten every test, medication and therapy to prolong my life and functioning. I recently received a bill for over $11,000, but thanks to the ACA, the amount I have to pay is $1200.  My medications cost me less than $100 per month, on average. My local hospital has expanded their locally available research, care for my condition and private financial assistance as the ACA took financial pressure off their clinic system. I am able to get all the specialist care I need without traveling. If I lose my access to ACA coverage, I will die sooner and I will die a more devastating death. I want to live. I want others to live. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
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--Cameron from Roanoke County