Vermont Caregiver Faces Financial Ruin Amid Rising Health Care Costs

Vermont Home Care Provider Faces Uncertainty Amid Rising Health Care Costs

In the quiet hours of the night, Heather Pfaff, a home care worker from Vermont, lies awake troubled by the rising expenses of her health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. For over 15 years, Pfaff has been the primary caregiver for her mother, who is confined to a wheelchair and requires specialized care that nursing homes cannot provide. Adding to her stress are her own chronic health conditions that necessitate costly medications.

Pfaff warns that without congressional intervention to reduce health care expenses and extend ACA premium tax credits, both she and her mother face financial ruin and the loss of their home. A member of Vermont Homecare United/AFSCME, Pfaff notes the devastating impact that unaffordable health care has on her mental health. "It's actually caused me to take anxiety medications. I'm in such a panic that I can't sleep at night," she shares.

The looming threat of increased premiums and potential Medicaid cuts under recent legislative proposals only adds to Pfaff's anxiety. She criticizes the decision of some lawmakers to prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy over affordable health care, describing it as "unconscionable." She is not alone; over 20 million Americans who obtain insurance through the ACA marketplace are at risk of seeing their premiums surge unless Congress takes action.

Pfaff, who suffers from conditions including asthma, COPD, and scoliosis, has been trying to navigate the complexities of health care plans with the help of hospital navigators. "They make it so confusing," she says, expressing her frustration at not yet knowing the extent of her premium increases. With an impending meeting to discuss her options, Pfaff is in "total panic" over the possibility of having to forgo insurance altogether.

Her appeal to Congress is straightforward: "Think about what you're doing. Think about millions of people who need their health care, who need to be able to put food on the table and pay their rent. Think about that and think about the fact that people will die. Needlessly."

Pfaff is actively encouraging other AFSCME members to speak out and urge Congress to implement measures that would lower health care costs, secure funding for public services, and protect workers. Those interested can connect with their member of Congress to voice their concerns.