This Christmas, we got the ultimate gift: a little more time with our family and another chance to hold each other close. Last year, my dad, Rev. Robert Abrams, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic gastric cancer. The news gripped our family, but like anyone who has been touched by illness, we came together and quickly sprung into action. I am grateful that I have been able to help my dad with good health coverage and support during his medical treatments. Every additional day we have him with us is a blessing.
But, as my parents raised me to do, I can’t help but worry about the millions of Americans who are one diagnosis, one illness, one accident away from heartbreaking choices and financial calamity.
Too many are entering the new year with premium increases on their health insurance, so Congress must do its job and extend the Affordable Care Tax credits. And too many states in the South have refused to expand Medicaid — the time to act is now. This isn’t politics, it’s a matter of life or death for an unconscionable number of people.
All my life, I watched my dad prove that not holding a title doesn’t excuse you from doing the work. I’ll continue to fight the good fight, because it’s what my dad has taught me — and because it’s the right thing to do.