I am a recent college grad with a job that I love. Not only do I get to work with middle school students on issues of leadership, empowerment, and critical thinking, I also get to do this mentoring in partnership with college students who are as dedicated to these kids as I am. In regard to morale, it is the most rewarding job I could ever ask for. In regard to fiscal pursuits, I am living paycheck to paycheck without any benefits, including healthcare.

Finding a balance between spending money on gasoline and groceries for the week is challenging in and of itself, but making sure I’m responsible for my health is another feat altogether.

I understand the weight of the responsibility of taking care of my health. As a young woman, preventative care like an annual pap smear, and breast/lymph node exams to stay ahead of a potential diagnosis indicated by family medical history, and contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancies are essential to my overall health and security. This does not even include unforeseen medical issues or an accident that at the beginning of my adult life could leave me in thousands of dollars of debt. It’s because of these things that I’m excited to see what options I’ll have under the Affordable Care Act come October. I already know that at minimum my insurance company will have to cover my important preventative care, like mammograms and wellness visits. Not only will coverage for contraception under the ACA allow me to responsibly engage in family planning, but also if one day I do decide to be a mom, I won’t be denied insurance for having a pre-existing condition just because I’m a woman.

Without healthcare coverage, it’s daunting trying to keep up with this long list of responsibilities particularly because of the financial burden that accompanies proper medical care. I’ve explored options like utilizing reduced-fee services at Planned Parenthood and other women’s clinics, but the waiting list is extensive and it can be several months before a medical professional sees you. These clinics have huge communities to serve with limited staffs and budgets, and so even though their exemplary services are appreciated, it’s not enough

I shouldn’t need to look at my bank account every month and weigh what matters more, paying my bills or attending that doctor’s visit I know I’m due for. I shouldn’t need to set aside $10 here, or $30 there to save for six months in order to see my doctor for what is a standard and necessary part of taking care of my body.

This stress bites at my heels everyday. I want to take care of my body, but knowing that it’s actually down to whether or not I can spare a tank of gas or a bag of groceries, and it’s between paying a credit card bill or for a visit to my doctor leaves me more than frustrated and discouraged. I want things to be different for the girls I mentor. I’m excited that I’ll have more options for affordable health coverage in the coming months, but I’m much more excited that younger girls may never have to experience the worry that comes with “can I afford to go to the doctor”?

But this isn’t just about me, it’s about all people who understand that regular check-ups and annual visits are just the most basic part of healthcare. Feeling secure in our ability to care for ourselves is wrapped up in our healthcare. Healthcare not only affects us as individuals, but it affects our families, our friends, and our communities. It is relevant to every individual, and conversations surrounding these issues should be approached in that way.

We need to cooperate with one another in order to improve our healthcare system. This could be as simple as starting the conversation with a coworker, family member or friend about what's changing for the better in health coverage and urging them to visit healthcare.gov. Care about healthcare and healthcare reform, care about the people it affects, and make an effort to participate in the change. Pass it on.