She was told to say her goodbyes—then Obamacare saved her life

By the time a North Texas woman convinced her doctor to take her pain seriously, she was issued a death sentence. But monthslong treatment, covered by insurance provided through the Affordable Care Act, gave her a new life.

For most Americans, the anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act is probably not something they think about, but for people like Wendy Dean of Dallas, the impact is unforgettable. 

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the landmark health care legislation into effect, expanding health insurance coverage, lowering the cost of premiums, and protecting policyholders from unfair coverage criteria. As of 2024, 45 million Americans were covered through ACA. Within the first few weeks of this year, more than 4 million Texans selected marketplace plans, making Texas one of only six states to surpass its 2025 enrollment numbers.

In 2014, the program evolved, launching a health insurance marketplace that offered premium tax credits and provided Medicaid coverage to those with salaries under the poverty line. 

“ I’ve had it all and I’ve had nothing. We go through cycles in life and there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” 56-year-old Dean said. 

Battling a life-threatening illness that came out of nowhere

Dean and her boyfriend at the time found an ACA marketplace plan that offered them both insurance for less than $70 a month. Within weeks, itchy rashes started popping up across Dean’s body. As it progressed, she became a regular in her Waxahachie emergency room. Pills and a cream, pills and a cream—the doctors said it was a generic rash. But it got worse, and Dean insisted on getting blood work. 

“ I said, just do an array of blood tests. Anything you can think of, I’ll sign off on it.” 

Thirteen vials of blood were taken. The results from the tests started rolling in, and everything was looking good. Dean was outside for a smoke break and when she heard her name called from the waiting room. 

“ I still had the cigarette lit. I had a feeling it was gonna be my last one for a minute,” she said. 

The doctor asked Dean if she had family in town for support; she waited for her son to arrive before she heard the news. 

“ Ms. Dean, how long have you been off your HIV medicine?” she recalled the doctor asking. Dean, shocked, told him that she didn’t have HIV. She later learned she’d been infected years ago by a trusted partner. Her current rash and flu-like symptoms were the result of something called Histoplasmosis, an airborne infection that HIV patients are more likely to contract. 

If treated quickly, symptoms can clear in a few weeks; otherwise, the condition can turn fatal—and Dean’s infection had brewed long enough to metastasize. 

She was airlifted to Dallas’ Baylor Hospital. Her illness had progressed so much that she was told to get her affairs in order and say her goodbyes. 

With medication no one expected to work, she lived a month, and then another. She recounted a spiritual experience where she thought she was dying, but regained consciousness after being shocked with defibrillators. She said God sent her back. To the amazement of her health care providers, she continued to improve. 

After several months in the hospital, Dean was released into rehab with a goal to gain weight, as she’d lost nearly half of her body mass since the start of her illness. 

Life after her diagnosis

Dean now lives with chronic pain. Life after her hospitalization hasn’t been easy, but one thing did bring relief: her months of care were ultimately covered by her insurance, leaving her with a zeroed out bill. 

Still, getting the care she needs hasn’t come without hurdles. Dean has many different stories about the hoops she’s had to jump through to get the tests and procedures she’s needed. As someone living with HIV, those challenges are even greater. 

The issue is growing more urgent nationwide. Recently, stars from “Real Housewives” franchise traveled to Washington D.C., to urge Congress to address the mounting barriers for low-income Americans with HIV, as assistance programs have been cut across the country. 

Meanwhile, many patients are bracing for even more uncertainty in the months ahead after the Republican-controlled Congress refused to extend expiring ACA tax subsidies at the end of 2025. Costs are expected to double this year. Average premium payments were about $888 in 2024, and 2025 are now projected to be around $2,000.   

For folks like Dean, the lack of understanding from lawmakers is frustrating. She’s rallied in Austin, and done work in the Dallas area to push for more community resources and support for people like her. 

In a letter to President Obama, she writes, “It’s my dream now to be a public speaker and talk with newly diagnosed HIV patients to let them know it is no longer a death sentence. I would also like to help figure out a way to make prescription drugs more affordable to the American people.”

After surviving Histoplasmosis, Dean said she was so overcome with gratitude—not just for her recovery, but for the insurance coverage that made it possible.

“Once again thank you Mr. President for setting up the affordable healthcare act. Regardless of what anyone has said about you, I have argued with them that you helped save my life. Every time someone has something negative to say about the healthcare act, I remind them I was once a working single mother with no health insurance through the work place. How I worked my entire life with no healthcare, how I paid my dues, and most importantly how I would be dead if it wasn’t for Obamacare.”

If you have a story about how state or national legislation has affected your life, tell us about it.