I have received health insurance through ACA, the expansion of Medicaid and I am scared to lose it.  I have several chronic illnesses, and without it, I am uninsurable. Without the coverage, my average health costs are around $3000 a month including medical supplies, medications, and monthly doctor appointments; which are needed for me to live. I did not choose to have these medical conditions and ultimately dropping it will leave people such as myself and other hard workers who are also poor, seniors, children, to die.  I hope they will at least keep parts of the ACA such as the expansion of Medicaid, the tax breaks for buying insurance and protecting those with pre-existing conditions.  My husband and I do not make enough to foot that bill plus living expenses.  Before the ACA; no insurance company would touch me and top it off; no one will hire me due to my medical problems, so I have to work for myself, and I do not make enough money. My husband will also be losing his job to Mexico in a few months. I am also going to be 48 in about two months, so I am no young thing.  What I am trying to say is, those of us with medical conditions who are trying our best are not irresponsible or lazy, and we do not appreciate all the hate for us over something we do not have control over.  We just want to live.  I have chronic digestive problems, fibromyalgia, depression, inattentive ADHD, chronic migraines, low blood pressure problems and several autoimmune conditions (to name a few).

Biography: My name is Lisa Lenke Sousa, and I am a musician who plays Horn, composes and arranges music. I play in several music ensembles and write, and sell my music online. I hold a Bachelors and Masters Degree in music from Eastern Washington University and have married since 1994. I currently live in Spokane Valley Washington with my wonderful husband and my adorable, yet spoiled cat. I am very passionate about the arts and a member of the Musicians Union.  Examples of my work are included on my website lisalenkesousa.com.