“I like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) but hate Obamacare.” I have heard this statement made repeatedly by the man or woman on the street who doesn’t understand that these two are one and the same thing.  The politicians feed into this frenzy by saying that we must “Repeal and Replace” Obamacare, but they do so without addressing the reality that there is a need for healthcare.  The basic coverage under the ACA is about providing care that we need to experience a decent quality of life.  Many of us know people who are alive today as a direct result of the medical services that they received under the Act. We know families who have experienced a catastrophic medical event that would have left them financially and emotionally bankrupt but for various provisions in the Act that provided relief.

There is indeed work that needs to be done to make the ACA better, but to take this benefit away from families who so desperately need it is at a minimum insensitive and at a maximum criminal. I can’t understand how some representatives in government refuse to put their personal agendas aside and use healthcare as an issue to get reelected, while at the same time taking advantage of the rich medical benefits that they receive while denying it to others.  Then I think back on the historical hate that has existed in this country to incite the uninformed.  Some of the issues that come to mind that have polarized this country include slavery, reconstruction, civil rights, women’s right to vote, bussing and, most recently, sexual orientation, marriage equality and gender identity.  The common thread seems to be that one group wants to impose their values, their world view and their power over another.

The latest approach to the healthcare issue now is that if they can’t destroy it outright, then they’ll force it to explode. This seems to be a continuation of an ongoing effort to convince segments of the population that what has been designed to protect them as a patient is not good for them as a person.  The ACA was designed to provide the maximum opportunity for people to obtain coverage. The success of the act depends on an economic model that requires participation by young and old (those that require less care AND those that require more) in order to balance risk. Unfortunately, the perceived uncertainties and, in some cases, rising premiums have caused limited enrollment. That, combined with an administration bent on dismantling Obamacare and the fact that some states refuse to expand their systems to help those with the greatest need, and the uncertainties are magnified even more.

Participation within the Insurance industry was a key component to the success of the ACA; however, many have chosen to opt out because profits were limited.  One insurance company withdrew from the Exchange to use this as leverage for a merger and acquisition approval from the government.  Some physicians didn’t like the electronic records, billing and consumers’ ability to know and understand the costs for services. It is safe to say that the healthcare industry as a whole was not enthusiastic about these changes, but everyone had to change for the benefit of the patients.  The spiraling cost of sickness in America was quickly getting out of control.

What happens next should give us an idea about whether we stay on course with political healthcare that works only to get votes or patient-centered healthcare that works for everyone.  At the very least, this national conversation has drawn attention to the need for all of us to take a great deal more interest in our own personal health. We now talk about our numbers, exercise and proper nutrition. And we are now working at companies that have wellness programs that focus on helping us make good health decisions that impact our quality of life. Let them argue in Washington all they like. The ultimate result could be smarter, health-conscious consumers who will take the task of creating better health into their own hands.

A Dose of Truth: There is no one that can take better care of you than you.