I am 59 years old, with a chronic health problem and, like over 20 million other Americans, I am reliant on the health coverage provided by the Affordable Care Act – Obamacare. This week, Congress is poised to repeal the funding for that coverage without having any comparable replacement plan in place. And this time, they will have a President who says he’ll sign a bill.

I have written Senators King and Collins to ask that they oppose any repeal, unless it is tied to a comparable replacement of health coverage. I told my story. I explained how after a long successful career in public service, I became too ill with depression and migraines to continue in my job. I have struggled, but kept working to find jobs I could manage for many years. Since 2014, Obamacare has been my health insurance in times of unemployment, self-employment, part time work, and low wage jobs. Recently, my doctors have supported me in facing facts and finally applying for disability. Even if granted, however, I will not have health coverage without Obamacare or something like it. Those determined medically disabled must wait 24 months for Medicare. So I will lose my health care if Obamacare is repealed with no replacement.

And what about others? People with cancer, heart disease, Crohns or other illnesses? Or what about those who relied on Obamacare to give up their job and start a new business? I don’t understand the Republican’s motivation. I can’t believe they really want to hurt people so brutally.

Maybe our true human stories can break through this all-politics mentality. If you have a story, please write our Senators and Representatives so they will know. If you voted for Mr. Trump, and this is not what you intended, please say so – and write him too.

Mary Henderson

Topsham