By Debbie Wasserman Schultz

 

Late last year I was contacted by one of my constituents, Martin West. A small business owner and moderate Republican, Martin wanted me to know that despite his party affiliation, he and his wife Melinda were grateful for the Affordable Care Act.

 

Melinda's successful battle against Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma had left them with a very expensive health insurance plan, but thanks to this new law they were able to secure more affordable coverage with their same provider.

 

Martin and Melinda are among the approximately 15 million Americans who are now covered by the Affordable Care Act: through the Federal and state health exchanges at healthcare.gov, an expansion of Medicaid, or because they were able to remain on their parents' insurance because they are less than 26 years old.

 

The number of uninsured Americans has dropped to its lowest level in six years, and is continuing to fall.

 

Today, of course, is an important deadline for people who wish to enroll in health care coverage, but it is just one marker along the long-term mission of the Affordable Care Act: to finally provide all Americans with quality, affordable health coverage.

 

Now, no comprehensive law is perfect. In my 22-year legislative career in Tallahassee and Washington, I would be hard-pressed to name one that was.

 

But any lawmaker who has a desire to put people before politics should realize the benefits of this law far exceed the bumps we experienced out of the gate.

 

Floridians have led the charge to get educated and enrolled. According to the most recent data available, almost half a million Floridians have enrolled out of more than 6 million Americans. That's the second best enrollment rate of any state, and the leader among states who do not have their own health exchange but rather rely on the Federal system.

 

South Florida senior citizens in particular are being helped by many of the law's guarantees and assurances.

 

For instance, almost 7,000 seniors in my district alone have saved roughly $940 a year each on their prescription drugs, money that can be used for expenses or savings. This is just one of the benefits millions of seniors nationwide are realizing.

 

And 105 million Americans can now take advantage of free preventive services, including the nearly 50 million women who have access to contraception and cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies without a copay.

 

As a policymaker, I am proud to have helped co-author, pass, and advocate for the Affordable Care Act. But as a parent and a patient, the law is deeply personal to me.

 

Six years ago at age 41, I was the picture of health. But not long after my first mammogram, I discovered a lump during a self-exam and soon found myself sitting in my doctor's office hearing words no woman ever wants to hear: you have breast cancer.

 

My first thoughts were wondering whether I'd see my children graduate from high school or get married. And inevitably, my concerns also drifted to the cost of my treatment.

 

Every day, in every corner of America, people face similar questions and concerns. But we can now rest easier knowing that the Affordable Care Act guarantees access to affordable care that you can't lose because you get sick, lose your job or get turned down because of a preexisting condition.

 

Health care coverage is designed to be there when you need it. As my mother always says, 'when you don't have your health, you don't have anything'. And don't I know it.

 

Health care is finally a right and not a privilege in America, and that is both a moral and fiscally responsible accomplishment.

 

With each coming year, as enrollment increases, full benefits are realized, and the cost curve bends even further, I am wholly confident that we will be living in a healthier, more economically secure nation.

 

Debbie Wasserman Schultz represents Florida's 23rd District in Congress.

 

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/fl-dwscol-oped0331-20140331,0,4704754.story