Replace then Repeal the Affordable Care Act

Do Not Repeal the ACA without First Protecting Patients

Senator Casey, Senator Toomey and Representative Murphy,

As your constituent and someone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), I urge you not to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) until there is a guarantee that people living with MS will still have affordable access to the healthcare and medications they need.

The enactment of a replacement plan that maintains or improves existing coverage and affordable access for people living with MS MUST BE SIMULTANEOUS if the ACA is repealed.

MS is recognized as a chronic, inflammatory and immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. It is among the most common causes of neurological disability in young adults. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from numbness and tingling, to walking difficulties, fatigue, dizziness, pain, depression, blindness and paralysis.

Untreated MS -- drug and other therapy for symptoms and relapses --  can progress more quickly, resulting in early departure from the workforce, undue strain on the family, finances, public and long-term services and supports, and more.

A vote to repeal the law means denying people with MS access to the health insurance coverage they need to manage their disease. I will continue to advocate for people with pre-existing conditions and the continuity of coverage through any repeal and replace efforts. Please join me in ensuring that people with MS receive the affordable, quality healthcare they need.

Sincerely,

Frank Austin