Democrats are going to the Senate floor to lift up the stories of real people and shine a spotlight on just how much is at stake for patients and families across the country if President Trump and Senate Republicans get their way and make health care coverage more expensive, harder to get, and lower-quality.
Here are the patients and families Senate Democrats are fighting to protect from the harmful impacts of Republicans’ health care policies:
Henry from Michigan
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) spoke about Henry on the Senate floor. Henry is an outgoing 9 year old who greets everyone he meets with a hug. He lives with a number of pre-existing conditions, including Down syndrome and autism. If Henry’s family didn’t have access to affordable health care coverage, they would have been bankrupt before Henry was even a year old.
Natasha from Washington State
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) shared Natasha’s story. Natasha relied on Medicaid coverage when she learned she was pregnant. Medicaid helped Natasha cover the costs of maternity care, post-partum care, and newborn care.
Jason, Lisa, and Giuseppina from Connecticut
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) spoke about Jason, Lisa, and Giuseppina.
Jason has arthritis that is manageable with medication. Jason relies on his insurance and would be devastated if he was denied coverage because of his pre-existing condition.
Lisa reached out to Senator Murphy on behalf of her grandkids who were born with cystic fibrosis. They are thriving with their current treatment and medicine, but Lisa is worried about what will happen to her family if insurance companies can deny people with pre-existing conditions or cap lifetime maximums.
Giuseppina’s brother was born premature and spent months in the hospital where he reached his lifetime limit on their father’s insurance. Her brother was later diagnosed with a disease due to his under-development and brain trauma. Giuseppina’s family accrued massive debt and had to go on public assistance.
Stefanie from Illinois
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) shared Stefanie’s story. Due to critical protections in the Affordable Care Act, Stefanie’s son, who has a history of mental health and substance abuse, can access mental health and addiction treatment and stay on her plan until age 26. Stefanie is afraid that if these protections go away, her son will be uninsurable or face enormous medical bills he wouldn’t be able to pay.
Jasper from Oregon
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) spoke on behalf of Jasper and his family. Jasper was born with medical challenges that require a variety of treatments multiple times a day. Not only is it hard on him and his family, but the costs are in the stratosphere. Jasper’s family is fortunate to have good health insurance but worry about what would happen if Republicans are successful in their attempts to take away the critical protections they rely on.