The Supreme Court ruling upholding tax subsidies in federally funded states that are a lifeline to low-income people was a victory for our country. In the King v. Burwell decision, the Supreme Court recognizes that tax credits are one of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s key reforms and vital to the law as a whole.

Now, we should consider this lawsuit an inspiration to transform our health-care system. As far as we’ve come, there is still more we can do. There are provisions laid out in the ACA designed to ensure the quality of care we receive doesn’t depend on our income, race or what language we speak.

Like many managing a chronic health condition, I’ve struggled to afford care despite having health insurance through my employer. It’s a relief knowing I can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition, yet still, living with diabetes has landed me with significant medical bills, calls from debt collectors, and even legal action taken against me.

We must also build on the gains we have already made here in Washington to develop a health-care system where no one is left out and everyone can make health-care decisions without fear of falling into medical debt. A multi-year, grassroots movement has started to bring a truly universal health care system to our state. I’m part of the Health Care is a Human Right campaign (healthcareisarightwa.org) and I encourage others to get involved in their communities.

Health reform is in motion. Let’s keep that motion going and realize a health-care system that works for all of us.

Joselito Lopez, Kirkland