Thread by @JenLongdon

The health care of tens of millions of Americans is on the line. This lawsuit to undermine the #ACA is personal to me. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /1

15 years ago I was #paralyzed by a random bullet. I woke up from an induced coma to learn I had lost my #healthcare & I was now bankrupt, my family as shattered as my spine. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /2

Over the next several years, I struggled. It was a constant fight to get the equipment, medicines and therapies I needed to survive. I lived in poverty, often having to decide which was more important: medicine or food. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /3

I, along with many others worked in #Arizona to advocate for the passage of the #ACA. We spent hundreds of hours talking to thousands of Arizonans about #PreExistingCondition, lifetime caps, insuring our adult children to age 26. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /4

My disability is a GIANT #PreExistingCondition. I wouldn't be able to find adequate, affordable coverage under the old system. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /5

My medical expenses totaled close to $5million in the first 5 years following my #SCI #injury. That would be SEVERAL lifetimes over a cap. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /6

I've had stable coverage since the passage of the #ACA. I've gained health and wellness. I now fully contribute to my community through my expendable income and taxes. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /7

Due to my experiences as a patient & advocate, I'm now elected to serve #Arizona in #LD24. I've spoken to thousands of people in these past 2 years. The NUMBER ONE concern of the average Arizonan is #healthcare coverage. Hands down. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /7

You or someone you love lives with a #PreExistingCondition– cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cesarean, autism, depression, bi-polar… How will you/they get the treatment they need to maintain their health? #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /8

Some of the things we'll lose?
Coverage for your children til age 26. About 2 million adult children will no longer be able to stay on their parents’ insurance.
Ban on insurance companies having lifetime caps on coverage. #CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /9

Some of the things we'll lose? Protections for 133 million Americans with #PreExistingCondition. The uninsured rate will increase by 65%. #Medicaid expansion, which covers 17 million people.
Requirement that insurance companies cover prescription drugs & maternity care. /10

We are all an injury or illness away from our own #PreExistingCondition. I wouldn't have believed it could happen to my family until it DID happen to my family.

WE MUST PROTECT THE #ACA

#CripTheVote #ProtectOurCare #WhatsAtStake /11