RULING SUPPORT: Couple Praises Health Care Law | News

A West Des Moines couple says they couldn’t be happier with the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the “affordable health care act.” They say without it, they could have been faced with bankruptcy.

Last summer, Amy Ward contracted a rare and deadly form illness that among other things left her in a coma for six weeks.

“Falling out of a kayak when I was getting out, slipping on a rock, swallowing just a mouthful of lake water no one expects that to end their life,” said Amy Ward.

The medical bills topped 1.5 million dollars. Without the Affordable Care Act, insurance would have stopped coverage at 1 million dollars.

“A few days after Amy woke up, one of the questions out of her mind is how long have I been here, how are we going to pay for this,” said Ross Daniels, Amy’s husband.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like for families who used to go through not only that but for caring and worrying once they step out of their loved ones room, gosh I’ve got bills to pay and their huge,” said Ward.

The total expenses it took to keep her alive and to cover Amy’s treatment and recovery continue to climb.

“I continue to have surgeries to improve my voice, and to improve my ability to breathe, so I’m hoping someday I will get rid of this,” explained Amy.

Amy says after her experience nothing will stop her from sharing her story, especially now that a major hurdle for the affordable care act was cleared with the Supreme Court upholding the legislation…

“As long as there are challenges in health care I want to be a voice for it. And if I have to whisper or use sign language I will,” said Ward.