Our Stories

We hope you'll use this space to get involved with the campaign's work with nurses, contribute your ideas, and help tell the story of how nurses are shaping this movement.

Michelle H.
Pennsylvania

As a nurse who works in public health, my guiding principle is the belief that prevention is the best medicine. It's an integral part of my job to teach women about the importance of birth control and to help them find the method that works best for them.

This is why, despite being employed full-time by a large health care company, I was shocked when I discovered that my employer-subsidized health insurance did not cover my birth control of choice—an essential component to women's healthcare rights that the President has steadfastly defended.

The discovery came when I was advised by my primary care provider to switch birth control methods after I developed risky side effects from hormonal contraceptives. It seemed like a simple switch, until I found out that my insurance did not cover "contraceptive devices" and I would have to pay out-of-pocket. Suddenly, I no longer had access to the preventive health care tools I regularly referred women at my clinic.

Thankfully, President Obama has committed himself to protecting women's health care rights by ensuring that a range of preventive services will be available to women at no cost. I am thrilled that well-woman visits, cancer screenings, and—yes—a variety of birth control methods will be available without cost sharing because of the law. As a nurse, I know that these policies will not just save women money; most importantly, President Obama's policies will save lives.

I chose to work in this field because I believe that women deserve choices, and they should feel ownership over decisions about their health. I support the President because he has stood up for my health and for the health of millions of women across the country.

Debra M.
Virginia

In February 2011, we were informed that my 22 year old stepdaughter had developed a brain tumor. She ended up having to withdraw from college. The Affordable Care Act made sure she stayed eligible for coverage under our group policy.

As a nurse, I already supported the Act, but now I can say that it actually saved us about $100,000.00 in medical bills. If anything else happens, it is such a relief to know we have coverage for her for a few more years, until she can finish school and get a job of her own, with benefits.





Kelly F.
Pennsylvania

I first decided to become a nurse in order to care for my grandfather, but I continued because it gave me the chance to be an advocate for patients and work on the front lines of patient care. I am always humbled by the determination and perseverance of my patients, and am honored by the trust they place in me when they are at their most vulnerable.

I love nursing because it allows me to help people in so many ways: from young patients at a muscular dystrophy camp, to malaria victims in Cameroon, and even my own loved ones. Everyone deserves to be cared for in their time of need, and it is for this reason that I support the Affordable Care Act and the President who signed it into law.

The Affordable Care Act offers protection to a countless number of people who otherwise would have suffered alone. An increased emphasis on preventive care will save more lives. Now no child can be denied healthcare coverage because of a pre-existing condition, and young adults can stay on their parent's insurance until they turn 26. In addition, the elimination of lifetime limits on healthcare plans ensures that extremely ill patients can focus on healing, rather than on paying their medical bills. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more Americans now have access to the care they need without the worry of financial ruin.




Brenda H.
Virginia

I am a recently retired advanced practice registered nurse having spent 45 years in nursing. Since my retirement, I am now serving as a volunteer healthcare provider in a free community clinic. Recently, an elderly woman came to the clinic seeking care for worsening cardiovascular health. She had a history of high risk factors and other chronic health problems.

Unfortunately, she had been without medical care through no fault of her own. While her spouse qualified for Medicare, she did not. Therefore, she could no longer go to her doctor nor could she afford her medicines.

Over the 2 year period without appropriate medication, her health deteriorated significantly. Thankfully, the patient was treated before she suffered any life threatening emergencies.

If she had not lost her access to health insurance, none of this would have happened. She would have been able to continue under the care of her own provider and continue her prescription medications without interruption.

Over the years that I have worked as a family nurse practitioner, I have unfortunately encountered many patients in similar circumstances. All Americans deserve access to affordable health insurance in order to have appropriate health care to prevent and control serious health problems.




Michelle B.
Pennsylvania

I was brought up to believe in America as a land of opportunity, where everyone can make the most of themselves. My parents raised me to believe that being a patriot meant contributing to your family, your community, and your country.

As a nurse of 18 years, I have witnessed health care in this country both personally and professionally. Before the Affordable Care Act, we faced a true emergency in health care. My mother-in-law was laid off from her job and lost her health insurance. A year later, she died of preventable causes. She was only 58. My daughters can only hold a photograph instead of her hand.

Too often I see patients who can't get the care they need. Transplant patients can't pay for the medications that will help them get better, and cancer survivors see coverage for chemotherapy excluded as a pre-existing condition when their cancer returns. Everyone should have access to insurance that covers the care they need.