Meet Astrid Muhammad, a Guest of the First Lady at the State of the Union

"I am a wife and mother to two young children, ages six and ten. I am recovering and alive because I had insurance."

 

Astrid Muhammad, 39, wasn't insured at the time of her brain tumor diagnosis in May of 2013 -- and her necessary treatment ended up being delayed as a result. But it could have been far worse:

 

Prior to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies could have refused treatment for her pre-existing tumor altogether. That didn't happen. Last year, Astrid enrolled in insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace with the help of an authorized BlueCross/BlueShield agent. And on August 28, fully insured, she had the surgery she needed to remove her tumor -- a surgery her neurosurgeon confirmed saved her life. All of her medical bills have been covered thanks to her insurance.

 

In a letter she wrote to the President in November of this past year, Astrid shared her gratitude and new lease on life, writing that she would love to shake his hand and thank him. 

 

Tomorrow night, she'll have that chance.

 

Read more about Astrid's story at WhiteHouse.gov/Get-Covered.