The Daily Item
October 4, 2024
Healthcare is a defining issue in this 2024 election, and there is a lot at stake this November regarding healthcare and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). After dozens of failed attempts over four years to repeal the ACA, Donald Trump now claims to have a “concept of a plan” as a replacement. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, told NBC News that this “concept” is to deregulate the health care market, claiming that it would lower insurance costs for the “young and healthy.”
What about the rest of us? What about women’s rights? What about those who are older or who have a preexisting condition?
The ACA mandates that health insurers cover people regardless of preexisting conditions, offer specific essential benefits in all plans, and it limits the increase of premiums for older individuals. Trump and Vance want to repeal those benefits, making tens of millions of Americans more vulnerable. To endure the pain and helplessness when not able to afford health care, and the burdens and suffering it can impose on patients and families, is unimaginable. Health care is not just a political issue; it is not just about bills; it is about life and death, and it is genuinely a personal one for me.
Kamala Harris is actively campaigning for women’s rights in health care. Abortion rights, insurance coverage to drug pricing — during her presidency, these issues will predominantly define her U.S. health care policies. As president, Kamala Harris will oppose the repeal of the ACA and will make healthcare more affordable by reducing out-of-pocket costs and prescription drug prices.
I will be voting for Kamala Harris and all the Democrats on the ballot because I care about my loved ones.
Geetha Chittoor
Lewisburg