Democrats need to defend access to healthcare

Democrats know this year's elections can have serious consequences. Will we protect access to healthcare — or will we allow our leaders to continue to attack the Affordable Care Act and its patient protections?

Protecting the ACA is personal for me. As the owner of Big Mike's Gluten-Free Baking Company, a local small business, I rely on the ACA's Marketplace for my health coverage. If something happened to me, I could lose not only my business, but my life.

I also think Florida can take even greater advantage of the ACA by expanding Medicaid. Not only is it the right thing to do, it makes healthcare more affordable for everyone. Empowering low-income families to get check-ups, disease screenings, and other basic care is much less expensive than waiting to treat them in the emergency room. It makes good budget and business sense.

Donna Shalala has made healthcare a centerpiece of her campaign. She has mentioned protecting the ACA in campaign emails, debates, and an AARP forum recently. She has the experience leading the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to deliver on her promises.

Everyone in the 27th Congressional District has an important choice to make on their ballot. I’m counting on Shalala to defend President Obama's legacy, protect the ACA and fight to expand Medicaid, and look out for people like me.

Michael Starr Hopkins, Sr. is a small business owner and South Florida resident.