To the Editor:

I am writing to express my concern about the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” The dismantling of this important health care program has already begun by the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate and by President Trump through executive orders signed his first day in office.

I am a senior citizen, currently enrolled in Medicare. According to a report by CNN, repeal of the ACA will cause Medicare premiums to increase and costs for prescription drugs will also increase. Perhaps more importantly, the currently free preventative care services, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, would no longer be provided. 

President Trump promised to leave Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security alone, but I have no faith this will be possible as the dismantling of the ACA is so complicated and confusing. Why the rush, wreaking this kind of havoc before having a replacement ready? President Trump recently tweeted “insurance for everybody,” which, quite frankly, has a very hollow ring.

What if there is no way to adequately replace the ACA and we’re headed toward a major health care crisis in this country? As it is, the United States ranks 37th in the World Health Organization’s ranking of world health systems. In my opinion, we can do a great deal better.

Nancy Bullock

Canton