As a self employed artist for 30 years, health insurance has always been a struggle to obtain. We had affordable health access in Minnesota, which saved the life of my husband when he was diagnosed with a life threatening rare disease and then, ultimately my oldest daughter who, it also turned out,  had the same disease. I now live in Utah, where I fall into the gap where I don’t qualify for Medicaid but don’t make enough to be covered by the ACA because our state refused to expand Medicaid. I can’t  afford insurance and so I am uncovered. I have spent many years care taking two people who are disabled and helping care for my two grandchildren, as well.  Yet, I am not worthy of health care? Really? We can do better.

I am a mother of two daughters, grandmother of two boys, wife of 36 years, artist. I also worked many years with differently abled people in schools, group homes and institutions. I am worried about the decisions being made that will affect so many people with disabilities.