Affordable Care Act lives to protect us

Americans will remain protected by the Affordable Care Act.

Americans who have survived devastating medical conditions will not be penalized by private medical insurance companies and charged higher premiums, nor can they be denied coverage.

Americans will not be categorized into risk pools created by private insurance companies and charged higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions.

Younger Americans may remain insured under their parents’ insurance policy up to the age of 26.

Americans will not be denied coverage by their insurance company for doctor’s office care, emergency care services, hospitalization, care during pregnancy and after the birth of their child, newborn care, mental health/ substance use care, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services and supportive medical equipment, laboratory services, annual physicals, well woman exams, screening for disease and chronic disease management, pediatric services, including oral and vision care, birth control and breast feeding services.

Those services are vital in maintaining a healthy nation.

The fight and struggle for affordable health care for everyone is still very much an issue. Rationing it is not the answer. Instead, we need to expand it toward Medicare for everyone.

Dr. Danielle Mitchell The Chattanooga Sports Institute and Center for Health