Don’t forget good in health care law

Don’t forget good in health care law

Amid all the government shutdown drama and problems with the health care enrollment website, one thing that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention is the fact that millions of Americans will soon have access to preventive health services without cost-sharing or co-pay.

Children will be screened for autism without co-pay. Women will be able to access contraception and necessary screenings without facing prohibitive costs. These services will now be covered by health insurance.

Yes, there are apparently serious problems with the health care enrollment website, and those problems should be addressed promptly. But we need to keep our attention on the bigger issue: Everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care.

We all have a responsibility to make sure our friends and neighbors have the information they need to take charge of their health care. Open enrollment in the health care exchanges, whether online, by phone, or in neighborhood centers, will continue through March 31, but don’t delay: If you do not already have health care, sign up today, and talk with your friends and family about their options for health insurance so we can be a healthy community.

Barbara C. Kozi

Lombard

President, Lombard branch, AAUW