Dear Editor:

Every day some of us bear the burden of extreme worry. Some of us are worried because we have no health care insurance. We don’t have it because we can’t afford it.

This worry combined with lack of affordability of basic essential health care can easily exacerbate simple health problems into the complex, costly and overwhelming conditions that weigh heavily on individuals and on the community. Health care insurance coverage is vital for the health of individuals and communities.

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Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the opportunity for coverage for everybody is on the horizon.

Now is a great time to get curious about affordable health insurance coverage and to find out how to use the health care exchange (provided by our state, under the mandates of the Affordable Care Act). This health-care exchange now provides connections to insurance coverage plans to fit your location and needs. In October, it will provide direct sign-up for plans, and in January 2014, it will chip in to help pay insurance premiums, according to individual need. Every-body will be able to afford health care insurance.

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It is also time to think about your friends and neighbors, employees and family members struggling to afford or giving up on the chance to have health insurance. Consider sitting down with them at a computer (try http://www.getcoveredco.org, or search for “Affordable Care Act Colorado”) to show them what is coming up and help them get on board.

At least reassure them that help is on the way. At least realize yourself: Help is on the way.

Peg O’Brien

Woody Creek