No black and white about health care

I'm writing to express my concern over the potential to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Although I recognize that the bill is not perfect, I think the Obama administration created change and a dialogue that deserves to be pursued and not killed.

Even though I am an American who is employed and has excellent health insurance (BCBS of Illinois), I know too many respectable, hard working people who could benefit from this Act.

My sister's husband recently lost his contract after 18-plus years of business experience and nine years of successfully running a not-for-profit. He didn't lose his contract for illegal or fraudulent reasons, it was more political.

But that's beside the point. What concerns me most is that when the transition period ends in March, my 9-year-old nephew (who has been diagnosed with several psychological disorders) will abruptly lose his access to medication as well as cognitive and social training programs that have been helping him not only to develop as a normal child, but ultimately, one day, to become a normal, healthy, functioning adult and working member of our American society.

The combination of my brother-in-law's job loss plus my nephew's existing condition under the current system concerns me. And, it should concern you too even if you aren't related to my family.

And, if it doesn't cause you “concern,” maybe you could feel “empowered” to take back the power of journalism, write about this issue from both sides, demonstrating that nothing is black or white but that this conversation needs to continue, not be aborted.

Julie Simmons-Trapp

Naperville