Change is coming, and women in this community want to be included in discussing issues that directly affect us.
One of the pressing issues is congressional Republicans’ planned repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act. We are particularly concerned with the impact that this action might have on women’s health.
Along with a few friends, I met recently with Rep. Fred Upton’s senior staffer, Mike Ryan, to learn where the congressman stood on women’s healthcare issues as they relate to the potential repeal/replace of the ACA. We shared a list of services that are currently covered, but that may not be covered under a replacement plan.
A few of these services include cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening, osteoporosis screening and contraception. Prior to the Affordable Care Act, many of these services were not included in a standard healthcare policy.
In many cases, OB/GYN services had to be added to a person’s policy and extra charges were incurred.
In light of the drastic actions being taken by the new administration, we do not trust that coverage will continue for women’s preventive health care services. Eliminating these important preventive services will impair women’s health and increase overall health care costs.
During our meeting with Ryan, we strongly urged Upton to schedule a community meeting so he can answer questions from his constituents and assure us of his commitment to fight for continued protection of women’s health coverage. Given the rapid timeline for repeal and replace, and the limited amount of time he is in town, it is reasonable for our community to ask for a meeting to be assured that our congressman is fighting for our concerns.
Individual and small group meetings do not meet the needs of the community at large. Health care is not a partisan issue, and we all need to know that our voices are heard.
I strongly urge Upton to schedule a community meeting soon to discuss his ideas for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.
If you agree, please contact Upton’s office at (269) 982-1986, or at 720 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085.

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St. Joseph