No one should have to choose between seeking medical care and paying the rent — and no family should face financial ruin because of an illness or injury.

In my years as a nurse, I have seen what happens to patients who wait too long to see their doctor. Without timely care, their condition worsens and becomes more difficult and more expensive to treat.

In their rush to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement, Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell threaten to cut-and-run on Americans, reducing health care access for millions and driving up costs for the rest of us.

On Jan. 15, thousands of people, including great representation from AFT members, rallied in cities across the country to stand up against plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act as well as efforts to privatize Medicare and Medicaid.