Look at facts about health care law

I feel the need to respond to a Feb. 19 letter by Roger Roeing with regards to the Affordable Care Act and the impending health care laws. I ask that you would get the facts straight before you post such a letter.

Fact: The Affordable Care Act, while it may have some features worth passing, will be somewhat government run. If that’s what you’re looking for, sign up for kids care, moms and babies or family care already available, but remember, “you’ll get what you pay for.”

Fact: Most states have health insurance available to those unable to qualify for individual care on their own due to pre-existing conditions. In Illinois it is called ICHIP. (Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan)

Fact: Pregnancy is not a pre-existing condition.

Fact: Kids to age 26 can remain on their parents’ health insurance policy. While this is new to most states, Illinois has had this effective since June 2009, and considering at age 18 you’re a “legal” adult, I think that’s a pretty generous option.

Fact: Companies cannot cancel your health insurance just because you become sick, unless you failed to disclose that illness on the original application and then tried to make a claim. In which case, they would have to refund premiums previously paid into the plan for failure to cover.

Fact: This is not Republican vs. Democrat situation. This is right vs. wrong, and the two sides need to work together to change what’s wrong and make it right.

My final fact and the most important. If the Affordable Care Act is the best thing to happen, why are Congress, state representatives and our astute president exempt from participation? Shouldn’t they be setting an example for the rest of the country?

Lin Marciante-Ward

Schaumburg