Republicans in Congress are working toward repealing the Affordable Care Act, known to many as Obamacare. Unfortunately, although they always said they would “repeal and replace” they have no replacement ready yet. They know they have a problem on their hands because politically it will be very difficult to pull health insurance away from 30 million Americans, several million in Georgia alone, without causing serious political backlash and very real pain and suffering.

People all over the country have purchased insurance through the exchanges at discounts compared to what they would pay without subsidies. Many lower-income people, if they are lucky enough to live in a state that cares about its residents, are covered fully by expanded Medicaid.

And many people can purchase insurance who couldn’t before, those with pre-existing conditions and parents who can purchase it for `children up to age 26. In addition, if you sign up for insurance, you get free preventative care and no lifetime cap.

Several of my friends in North Georgia have told me their stories about how the repeal of the Affordable Care Act will hurt them and their families. A couple in Dawsonville were able to keep their home after their college son had to have surgery which cost over $20,000. Their son is still on their health insurance policy because of ACA.

Kent in Banks County had to quit work at age 59« to care for his mother and uncle. He had enough to live on but wouldn’t have been able to afford health insurance if he hadn’t been able to purchase it through the exchange for ACA.

Carol in Dawsonville would like to retire from her job next year at age 60 to care for her mother. If ACA is repealed, she will not be able to do that.

A woman in Dahlonega says her husband is in the middle of cancer treatments and her daughter was diagnosed with two auto-immune diseases. They are self-employed, and if the ACA is repealed, it would be disastrous for them.

Gloria in Dawsonville says her son was without health insurance because his job didn’t offer it and it was too expensive to buy. He was sick with kidney problems but couldn’t go to the doctor. With ACA, he was able to purchase a plan, has had the treatments he needed and is now well.

These are just a few of hundreds of thousands of such stories in Georgia and millions in America. What will the Republicans do? I guess we will see, won’t we?

Bette Holland
Dawsonville