Since undergoing cancer treatments, Ron Rivera has repeatedly said that he’s come to realize how expensive medical care can be. It’s why the Washington coach has vouched for universal health care — and why he says he wants to become an advocate for making it affordable.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Rivera even went a step further — backing the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare.
“We need to understand that we need to have the Affordable Care Act,” Rivera said, “whether its current structure or being changed, as being as corrected or being fixed or being added onto, we need to have something for the folks in the United States of America.
“For us not to have affordable quality health care and be the richest nation in the world, it’s kind of disappointing.”
Rivera, who was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer found in his lymph node, completed his final cancer treatment last Monday. He has said his fight against cancer is “headed in the right direction” and doctors have given him encouraging news.
Still, Rivera wants to be involved in health care advocacy from now on. He said that he plans to attend a fundraiser for Inova later this week.
“Knowing what the cost has to be, you worry about the folks who can’t afford what I have,” Rivera said. “I don’t want to say it’s unfair, but it is. These folks deserve every opportunity. It kind of struck a chord with me.”
More than 11 million get their insurance through the ACA, according to The Associated Press. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case challenging the law next week.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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