Thank you: your stories say it all!

Thank you to those who've shared your health care stories! Keep talking about what's at stake if we don't do everything we can to reap the benefits of the Affordable Care Act.

Last week, the United States Supreme Court announced it will hear arguments in the challenge to the national health law, a challenge led by Florida's Attorney General. Our state leaders have spent the 18 months since the law was passed blocking implementation instead of taking action to ensure Floridians have access to the new health care options and protections made possible by the Affordable Care Act.

We understand what's at stake: Florida CHAIN asked you to tell us your health care stories about why better health care matters to you. And you've responded. We've heard from individuals, families, college students, small businesses, doctors, etc., sharing experiences about the health care system, both when it works and when it doesn't. 

You've shared deeply personal stories about dealing with everyday health care worries: from the heart-wrenching saga of a parents' fight with a Medicaid HMO for their child's medications...to the gratifying account of a parent's worry alleviated when they knew their college graduate could stay on their health insurance. Some stories leave us angry. Others leave us grateful for the progress we've made.

While there is still so much to be done, we are documenting the problems in the state's Medicaid Reform pilot through your stories and working to strengthen this safety net for our most vulnerable. We are celebrating the Affordable Care Act and the changes it's already made possible for the health and peace of mind of so many; again through your stories. Thank you to those who've shared their story so others know what's at stake.

Please take a moment this week to read a few of these stories and to remind yourself why we must continue to fight for better health care and the Affordable Care Act in Florida. As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, speak up about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. And if you haven't already, please tell us your story. 

Thank you.