Someone's son lost his health insurance — and then he lost his life. (medical, plan)

[JD59]

Joyce Schmit said,

When my son was 26, he beat testicular cancer. Happy ending? Not quite. Although we were told that this cancer never recurs after five years, I received a middle-of-the-night call 10 years later. The cancer had recurred and his lungs were full of it.

My son lost his health insurance — and then he lost his life. - Chicago Tribune

[Texas Ag 93]

This is a perfect example of how and why anyone with any history of cancer has always been denied insurance except under group plans. The incidence of secondary cancers and heart failure, not to mention infertility, cognitive impairment etc, is very high, and often problems don't present for decades after the original diagnosis.

Phrases like "never recurs" and "guarantee" should probably not be used when describing cancers that require systemic chemo and radiation treatment.

There are many components of the ACA that I'm not a fan of, but ensuring that people who've had preexisting conditions like cancer have access to affordable health insurance is a provision that must be protected, IMO.

[NSHL10]

And under AHCA as long as he kept insurance in place there would be no denial for pre existing condition. This is what is needed similar to the individual mandate in aca. Without it insurance companies will be insolvent.

Or those with employer provided insurance can give it up and pay at least 10% of their income in an additional healthcare tax and we can get universal coverage for all regardless of their ability to pay.

There is no free ride.

And there is no guarantee that even with the best insurance coverage and all the money in the world that you won't die from cancer or any other medical condition.