When someone reaches retirement age, health care access becomes all the more important. Getting to a hospital quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

In Waterford, where I live, the closest hospital is more than 30 minutes away. People in my situation have had to rely on air ambulance services to get the life-saving care they need. But there is a real threat that puts this service in jeopardy.

The Lower Health Care Costs Act in Congress would allow insurance providers to continue denying claims for life saving air ambulances that many across California, especially those in rural areas, rely on. Lack of proper reimbursement for this service will also force more rural air bases to close at a time when rural hospitals are already facing increasing closures.

That’s why we need elected officials to oppose this proposal and ensure that we have access to air ambulance services.

— Tyler Burkett