By Marilyn Ralat Albernas, RN



marilyn_ralat_albernas_RN_kendall_nicu_300px.jpgFor the healthcare community, “King vs Burwell” represents a huge victory for all our patients. This is not about politics, it’s about human beings and their ability to access affordable healthcare. The United States Supreme Court voted and stood up for what was right. They took one step forward by allowing hard working Americans to lead healthier and more productive lives. Approximately 8 million people can now rest easily in knowing that they can continue to enjoy their affordable healthcare coverage.



As a postpartum nurse, I am privileged to witness the miracle of life and the bonding process between mothers and their babies in the first hours of life. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I have seen noticeable improvements in babies’ health as well as the moms’ readiness to meet the needs of their little ones. The Affordable Care Act really saves lives!



Prenatal care and education is the key to good outcomes. The ACA provides affordable insurance coverage so these mothers’ and their babies’ can live long, healthy, happy and productive lives. Children are our most valuable resource and represent the leaders of our future. They deserve to have healthy mothers’ and the health care that will ensure proper growth and development.



Before the healthcare law, I observed many infants at risk and needing emergent care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Many of these admissions could have been prevented if the mother obtained health insurance and had access to prenatal care.



Now, thanks to the tax credits available through the healthcare exchanges, more families have access to affordable health care insurance and are receiving the care, they desperately need. Women are having regular prenatal exams, ultrasounds to track fetal development, and the necessary education to care for their newborns following delivery, including the bond and nutritional benefits of breastfeeding. Additionally, healthcare providers are catching complications earlier so that pregnant women can be monitored and supported with the goal of a healthy full- term baby.



This is the reason I joined a group of SEIU members and supporters to file an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court Case, “King vs Burwell”. Arguments for the case involved a dispute over whether health insurance premium tax credits through the federal market place are permissible.



The financial assistance of the law will continue to provide and ensure the health of mothers and their babies. We should look for ways to expand access to good prenatal care and support. Taking away the foundation for a woman’s ability to care for herself and her unborn child is not what our healthcare system should be about and not what our country represents either!



Marilyn Ralat Albernas, a member of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, has been a Registered Nurse for the past ten years in the Mother-Baby Unit at Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami, FL