Ladies gathered in Chapel Hill on Saturday for an open conversation on the impact of President Obama's health care law.
MomsRising is a nationwide, grassroots effort to take on family issues, health care being a big part of that. The group is convening informal parties across the nation.
Some of the women who ran the discussion were personally affected by layoffs, or lack of corporate benefits. Facilitator Felicia Willems struggled to care for her very sick infant son.
"I ended up having to quit my job to take care of him. Fortunately he qualified for Medicaid but my husband and I have struggled to afford health insurance," explained Willems.
However, she is now hearing concerns.
"In these states like ours that are not accepting the Medicaid expansion, and then there are gonna be all of these people who fall through the cracks, how is that gonna play out?" questioned Willems.
"Our state is not making a big effort to get the word out there. It's gonna be up to moms!" she said.
The mothers will leave Chapel Hill and go to cities and towns, church groups, schools, spreading the word about how to sign up for the benefits of the affordable care act.
"With my children's playmates, I'm going to do it with my social circles, so there's many places I can go and share the information! And I'm pretty sure that's gonna start engagement," said QC Supermom Kelle Pressley
"To just simply get the word out to people that these plans are available. There's so many people out there, I think about 25% or less, who know that the law is still even law. People think that it was repealed!" said Willems.
The mothers believe many Americans are convinced against the Affordable Care Act and are concerned with the government taking over their lives.
"'This is a government intrusion, they're trying to take over your life, they're going to get up in your business, and that somehow they're deciding your health for you.' I don't see it that way, but I know that that's a perception," said Willems.
MomsRising hopes spreading awareness will reduce fear, and help those who lack access to health care benefits.
See It On TV | Report A Typo |
Send Tip |
Get Alerts | Send us photos
Follow @abc11 on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook
