‘This ACA fix moves us closer to providing better care’
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Earlier this year, the Biden administration took steps to lower the costs for families needing healthcare coverage. On April 5, President Biden held an event at the White House where he signed an executive order to fix the ACA. The order corrected a “glitch” that had prevented millions from qualifying for subsidized health plans for their families. Former President Barack Obama joined Biden for the event.
Two AFT members, John Brady and Ivonne Hamm, were also at the White House to witness the signing. It was the first visit to the White House for Brady and Hamm, who are health professionals and members of AFT Connecticut.
Both members say that witnessing a historical moment that will help families who struggle to afford healthcare coverage was amazing.
“There are not enough words to describe what it’s like to be in the White House and in the presence of our nation’s leaders and members of Congress,” says Hamm.
“When the event ended, we called out to our own senator, Chris Murphy, who was seated in front of us,” says Brady, who adds that the senator was surprised to see them. “We told him we had the honor of representing AFT, and it truly was a privilege.”
Brady says AFT’s presence at the event demonstrates the work our members and leaders do every day. He adds that it also shows the respect AFT members receive from this administration.
Brady and Hamm understand the importance of the ACA and its role in improving patient care. Hamm, who has worked at UConn Health for 35 years, says this fix will mean more families will have access to medical care without falling into poverty. “Parents will be able to take their children to the doctor without having to rob Peter to pay Paul.”
“Our work as healthcare workers isn’t limited to the bedside, though that is essential,” says Brady. “There is a need in our souls to fight for quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for all,” says Brady, who is AFT Connecticut’s executive vice president.
“Asking us not to care about the policy underlying the care is akin to asking us not to care about the care we provide at the bedside,” says Brady, noting that Medicaid expansion to all states, closing the ACA’s family loophole, and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices will get us closer to the goal of providing better care. “The AFT has passed resolutions supporting these measures,” he says, “and we will continue to fight for them.”
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