RantCrush Top 5: January 13, 2017

Very early Thursday morning, Senate Republicans approved a measure that is the first step in repealing Obamacare. Basically, this measure paves the way for making big changes to Obama’s signature achievement. And many people are very worried about what will happen to their health insurance, and whether Republicans even have a plan for what they want to replace it with. Journalist Xeni Jardin, who has battled breast cancer, shared her story on Twitter about how the Affordable Care Act has helped her.

I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, a few months after purchasing my first insurance policy, and leaving a violent, abusive relationship

— Xeni Jardin (@xeni) January 12, 2017

She said that the insurance company started investigating her for fraud, since they believed she had cancer as a pre-existing condition. But eventually, she got the insurance, and thanks to the Affordable Care Act, she could afford the whole treatment.

Eventually I was cleared. I got my treatment, I lived, I continue to get treatment so that I will continue to live. Thanks Obama

— Xeni Jardin (@xeni) January 12, 2017

And there are many people out there who share Jardin’s feelings and worry about the future.

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.