MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release June 22, 2012
Contact: Amanda Pohl (804) 337-1912
amanda@virginia-organizing.org
Charlottesville, Va.–Considering the looming Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Virginia Organizing has compiled stories of Virginia residents from around the Commonwealth who have been affected by ACA. Below are some sample stories that Virginia Organizing has available.
Any media interested in scheduling an interview, before or after the decision is announced, should contact Amanda Pohl, Communications Coordinator, at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org
Sample Stories:
A PARENT’S STRUGGLE– Hilary N.’s (Alexandria) son has autism, seizure disorder and primary immune deficiency and is quickly approaching the lifetime limit on the family’s health insurance policy. A decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the law could have devastating financial consequences for her family and she is worried that her son will have difficulty obtaining coverage later. “Once we hit the lifetime limit, then what?” Hilary lamented.
CLOSING THE MEDICARE DONUT HOLE– Dell E. (Charlottesville) was paying high prices for her cancer medication before ACA went into effect and closed the donut hole. Her grandchildren have also benefitted from ACA; her grandson who had open-heart surgery at age five will not have to worry about being denied coverage for pre-existing conditions and her college-age granddaughter will be able to stay on her parents’ policy after graduation in this turbulent job market.
FIGHTING FOR COVERAGE– Winston W. (Norfolk) started working on health care reform in 2009 in the Hampton Roads area. Since the ACA was passed, Winston’s condo association was able to purchase coverage for three individuals; two that were previously uninsurable due to pre-existing conditions and one person who could not afford the high costs of healthcare.
RATE INCREASES– Beverly J. (Hampton) worked as a nurse practitioner and saw firsthand how people suffered. She was personally affected when she applied for insurance and was given a reasonable quote, but her rate doubled when the company read about her previous surgeries. Every year her rates increased until she was finally old enough to be eligible for Medicare.
Virginia Organizing is a statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia.
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