Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Protesters urge Costello to save health law
WEST CHESTER >> Roughly two dozen protesters rallied outside of a local Republican congressman’s office in West Chester, hoping to convince him to vote against potentially repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Organized by an group called the Costello Constituent Action Group, protesters began protesting at about 11:30 a.m. in front of the Market Street office of U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6.
“I am here because we believe we need to protect the weakest members of our society,” said Paula Terrell, 56, of North Coventry and Owen J. Roberts swim coach. “I’m here to be the voice of our generation.”
Terrell, along with other protesters on site, took turns meeting with members of Costello’s office staff and sharing their feelings.
Costello issued a statement by email stating that there will be hearings in coming months to determine how health care reform should look, and how facets of the law such as fixing special enrollment periods, feasibility of high-risk pools and providing more flexibility in states with expanded Medicaid coverage.
“My focus is to make sure everyone has access to affordable health coverage – no exceptions – and that includes those with pre-existing conditions and children under the age of 26,” Costello wrote. “I place tremendous value on the input of my constituents and look forward to working with them as the legislative process unfolds.
Costello said he encourages continued input and promised to provide updates through various forums, but did not say if he planned to vote to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act or not.
Will Rogers, 64, of Exton, held up a sign at the protest site calling on Costello not to repeal the law often referred to as Obamacare, and said that his son’s wife had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
He said the medication to treat the disease could cost his son and his wife upward of $100,000 annually.
Protesters took turns talking with staff members at Costello’s office. Kori Walter, district director for Costello, also released a statement by email.
“We had a lot of great discussions with everyone who came into the office,” he wrote. “Feedback from constituents about how policies being debated in Washington will affect their lives and their loved ones is always welcome.”
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, early in his presidency.
Protesters plan to return to Costello’s West Chester office to continue protesting Saturday.