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Hunter --

After a century of struggle and a year of debate, health insurance reform became law six months ago today -- and this week, key provisions of the Affordable Care Act take effect.

This is possible only because you -- and millions of Organizing for America supporters and volunteers -- stood up and said, enough. Even when the fight seemed all but lost, we continued to organize, call Congress, knock on doors, and do everything we could to keep reform alive.

But behind these historic changes are real people and real families. Their stories are important reminders that health reform couldn't wait -- and we can't give up on moving this country forward. Too much is at stake.

Meet Patrick, Kay, and Kristin:

Patrick is a single dad in Rockport, Maine. When he lost his job as a boat builder, he lost his health coverage, and paid out of pocket when his 14-year-old daughter required surgery for scoliosis. Pat has since found a new job, and because insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to children on the basis of pre-existing conditions, his daughter Katie is now insured. "If it wasn't for proper medical insurance, we never would have had the doctors she had. I feel like President Obama did it just for us." Now, Pat can take Katie to the doctor without worrying about falling deeper into debt. "It's about time someone, anyone, stood up for the things that mattered."

Kay is a small business owner in Evansville, Indiana. Every year she sees premiums soar and searches for more affordable options. "Even with us paying half the premiums, we have employees who cannot afford the health insurance and go without. They feel like they are constantly living on the edge -- hoping that neither they nor their children will face an illness or injury that will bankrupt them." The small business tax credit in the Affordable Care Act will help Kay continue to ensure her employees can get the coverage they need.

Kristin is a recent grad living in Scottsdale, Arizona. Last year, she was told that the cost of staying on her parents' plan after graduating would skyrocket to $500 a month. "Staying on my mother's plan would have been a great option now! But that was in the spring of last year, before any health reform had passed." Now, young people like Kristin will be able to remain on their parents' insurance at the same rate until finding work or turning 26 -- eliminating what can be a costly gap in coverage.

Today, we also celebrate an end to some of the worst insurance company abuses, like rescinding coverage when someone needs it most. Those previously considered uninsurable because of a pre-existing condition -- 400,000 Americans -- now have access to insurance through the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. And all new health plans must now provide free preventive care, like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, and pre-natal care.

Millions will see expanded benefits -- and more control over the care they receive.

This is real change. And there are stories like these all over America. Check out a few more -- including a video of one woman's surprise call from the President -- at the White House's site:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform

Thanks for all you do,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

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