We Had Health Insurance, Thank Goodness

(Opinion) A year ago, my family received horrible news. My wife, Rebecca — who is in her early 40s and healthy — was diagnosed with colon cancer.

We had health insurance that covered the surgery she needed. Many families do not.

After the diagnosis, we drove home in near silence, and I prayed for the strength and courage to break the news to our boys. With my voice cracking, and as my wife wiped away silent tears, I told the boys the truth. I tried, as best as I could, to assure them that mom was going to be alright and that we would get through this as a family. It was the toughest thing I ever had to tell them.

Rebecca decided to have surgery before Christmas to remove the cancer. The day of the surgery was a blur of emotions. As I held her hand and we walked slowly down a long, cold hallway, the last 25 years replayed in my mind: meeting in college, the many dates, buying our first home together, vacations, birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of our boys. We had made a life together and now this.

Just before the door, someone in a gown and scrubs stopped me and told me it was time. I kissed Rebecca and told her I loved her, let go of her hand and watched as she disappeared behind the double doors.

The hours that passed as we waited seemed like an eternity. When it was finally over, we learned that the surgery was successful. The surgeon informed us that the cancer was gone and the chances of it recurring were very low.

As we waited for final instructions from the surgeon, Rebecca and I discussed how lucky we were to have an incredible network of family, friends and our church community to support us through this difficult journey. 

And then we realized that we were also blessed to have excellent insurance; all of these costly and essential procedures were covered. We wondered…what happens to people who don’t have the kind of insurance we do? Do they not have certain procedures? Delay them? Do a payment plan? Go bankrupt? We realized, firsthand, how lucky we were and how unjust our healthcare system is for so many.

When I went door to door during my campaign for State Senate, the people I met shared their health care stories with me. Heartbreaking stories of putting off surgeries, skipping medications or having wages garnished to pay for astronomical medical bills.

In Derby, a man and his mother told me of his high deductible and monthly premiums. In Ansonia, a single mom shared with me how her son lost his HUSKY insurance and how much she struggles to pay the monthly premium for his health insurance. In Naugatuck, seniors shared with me the high cost of their prescription drugs and how sometimes they have to make the tough decision to cut back on either food or medications for the month.

In the richest, most powerful nation on earth, this simply should not be the case. That is why I am committed to fighting for high quality, affordable health care for all of us.

The first step we must take is for Connecticut to offer a health insurance plan that puts people over profits. A public option plan that provides the coverage, peace of mind, and support that we need in times of ill-health.

The same coverage legislators receive, no more, no less – accessible to all, focused on delivering affordable care to everyone in the state. A plan that is dependable, focused on ensuring no one in our state has to choose between putting food on the table or paying their prescriptions. Health insurance should not be a matter of concern, of constant worry. Health care must be a right, not just a privilege for some. My family was fortunate, and I am grateful for it. 

When I raise my right hand on Jan. 6, 2021 and take the oath of office to represent the great people of the 17th State Senate district, I am publicly declaring my commitment to support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Connecticut. That is a commitment I take very seriously and one I will faithfully discharge. I am equally committed to making sure all the families in Connecticut have an opportunity to succeed. Having access to high quality, affordable health care is an important step forward toward that goal.