Photos: Rep. Veasey and SOTU Guest, Dallas Resident, Jason Roberts, Discuss Benefits of Patient Protections Under the ACA
Yesterday, House Democrats joined by Americans from communities nationwide heard President Obama lay out his vision to help create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and grow our economy. Members’ invited guests that have been impacted by a wide array of issues that are expected to be addressed in the State of the Union, including health care.
Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Veasey meets with his State of the Union guest, Dallas-area resident and cancer survivor, Jason Roberts, to learn more about his recent battle with cancer and his experiences with the Health Care Marketplace in the Cannon House Office Building, Jan. 28, 2014.
Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) was joined by Jason Roberts. Mr. Roberts, a small businessman, public outreach consultant, and resident of the 33rd Congressional district is one of 129 million Americans with pre-existing conditions who stands to benefit from the new protections provided by the Affordable Care Act. After being diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer, undergoing chemotherapy treatments, and enduring major abdominal surgery, he can now say he’s cancer free. For Jason and for millions of Americans, cancer treatments are an enormous out of pocket expense. Unable to work full-time and newly divorced, Jason was able to maintain post-divorce COBRA health benefits under his ex-spouse’s plan, but this coverage was both prohibitively expensive and limited in duration. Had it not been for the Affordable Care Act, Jason would have run out of options once his COBRA benefits expired. As a cancer survivor, Jason still has regular CAT scans and urological appointments as part of his post treatment plan. Just a few days into the New Year, Jason utilized his new plan during one of his regular post-cancer treatment visits in January 2014. Roberts’ story demonstrates that Texans and all Americans can secure quality affordable health care under the Affordable Care Act. “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.”
Washington, D.C. -- Oak Cliff resident, Jason Roberts, visits the Cannon House Building Rotunda for the first time during his visit to Washington, D.C. to watch Barack Obama deliver the 2014 State of the Union Address, Jan. 28, 2014.
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.