FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Congressman Veasey Invites Oak Cliff Cancer Survivor with ACA Success Story as Special Guest to the State of the Union
Jason Roberts, CD 33 resident, small business owner, community activist, and cancer survivor meets with Congressman to share how he is effectively using his new affordable health plan under ACA
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Marc Veasey has invited Jason Roberts to be his special guest at President Obama's State of the Union Address, Tuesday, January 28th. Jason Roberts is a small business owner, community activist, and resident of the 33rdcongressional district whose story demonstrates that Texans and all Americans can secure quality affordable health care under the Affordable Care Act.
For Jason, 2013 was marked with insurmountable health challenges. After being diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer, undergoing chemotherapy treatments, and enduring major abdominal surgery, he can now say he's cancer free.
As a cancer survivor, Jason still has regular CAT scans and urological appointments as part of his post treatment plan. For Jason and for millions of Americans, cancer treatments are an enormous out of pocket expense. Had it not been for the Affordable Care Act, Jason would have run out of options when his COBRA benefits expire in April 2014 – leaving him with very few coverage options for his remaining post-cancer treatments. "I felt like I was being dropped into the sea without a life vest." said Jason.
Jason didn't let up and was able to navigate through the marketplace on healthcare.gov. He enrolled in a Gold level plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Jason saw his monthly premium cut almost in half, a deductible of $1,500 and an out of pocket maximum of $3,500. Under his new plan, Jason is saving more than $3,600 a year on his premium. Just a few days into the New Year, Jason utilized his new plan during one of his regular oncology appointments "without a glitch."
"Jason Roberts is a true testament of how the ACA is working for all Americans, especially for individuals with a pre-existing condition," said Congressman Veasey. "It is imperative that we get individuals properly informed about the benefits of ACA and get people enrolled in the federal marketplace in Texas."
Congressman Marc Veasey represents Texas Congressional District 33, which contains roughly 265,000 uninsured citizens, the highest percentage of uninsured in any Congressional District nationally. Congressman Veasey continues to work tirelessly to educate the community on its healthcare options and getting enrolled.
Media Availability:
Media is invited to attend the meeting. Congressman Veasey and Jason Roberts will be available for interviews following the meeting. If you would like to attend the meeting or schedule a one-on-one interview with the Congressmen, please RSVP in advance.
Who:
Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33
Jason Roberts, ACA Success Story, CD33 resident, community activist, small business owner
What:
To hear Jason's story and discuss how to get Congressional District 33 to explore quality affordable healthcare under the Affordable Care Act.
Date:
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Time:
1:15PM - 2:00PM
Location:
Cannon HOB 414
MEDIA:
To attend this meeting and to schedule interviews, Contact: Jessica Coscia at 202-225-9897 or by email at Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov