The healthcare law means more Americans are already getting better healthcare at their neighborhood health centers.
As a physician at a community health center in California, CIR/SEIU Healthcare member Dr. Michael Core has seen first hand what a difference it makes when everyone has access to primary healthcare.
"The shocking reality is, not every child is getting the immunizations he or she needs.
"Communicable diseases that killed kids 'back in the day,' or severely hindered their growth and development, or caused paralysis are on the rise because their parents simply can't afford preventive care in these tough economic times.
"The healthcare law has made it possible for my patients in L.A. County to get the no-cost quality medical care they need. So their children can get their vaccines.
"Then there's obesity. It's an epidemic growing among children and adolescents, as well as adults. It's a prelude to diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and all of the long-term complications that come with it.
When people don't have access to physicians, they end up in the hospital emergency room, which costs a lot and gets paid by the government. But they don't learn good health habits in the E.R., like exercise and eating healthy. And they end up back in the E.R. days or weeks or months later.
"Primary care is relatively inexpensive. That's what the healthcare law will help us do. Get more people the primary care they need."
Did you know? [CHART]
Starting in 2010, the law has been funding states to expand healthcare services and programs to reach Americans who need better care. See the chart below for more details on how Americans are benefitting:
Check out SEIU's recently-released Better Care, Better Lives report for more stories from SEIU healthcare workers about how the law is helping their patients and families.
Learn how the Affordable Care Act affects you and your family
The healthcare law is benefitting millions of Americans. Share your story
Don't put Medicaid and Medicare back on the chopping block
