Don’t give up on the ACA

I have lived with Type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years and I am a success story for proper disease management.

Type 1 diabetes requires that I monitor my blood sugar levels every day, administer the insulin my body cannot make, and consult doctors to help keep my blood sugar levels in check. My health insurance plan works with me to help manage my conditions and my various points of care. None of this is possible without my employer-provided health insurance, which many people in my position were denied before the Affordable Care Act.

More than 20 million Americans gained coverage under the ACA. Many of them suffer from congenital heart problems, autoimmune conditions, high blood pressure or other issues. Being welcomed into our health care system, where health insurance providers are expanding preventive care offerings, has enabled many Nevadans to get screened and then receive the help they need to manage their conditions and preserve their health.

While there are many areas for improvement, it’s important to note that our health care system is increasingly working to keep people healthy and to ensure that patients have access to care in a timely basis.

The U.S. should stay the course on health care reform, fighting to protect an open market in private insurance, and build on the ACA.

Sarah Gleich, Las Vegas