I am writing on my own behalf, but also the many thousands of Mainers who face losing health insurance if the Affordable Care Act is dismantled.

In 2015, my husband retired after a 45-year professional career. I lost his employer-sponsored health insurance coverage but was able to enroll in a marketplace plan with a moderate monthly premium. I was thankful to be healthy, with no prescription medication needs. Considering my age and the possibility of unexpected health issues, I chose a “middle of the road” plan, that I’ve re-enrolled in each year since. It offers reasonable co-pays for primary care visits and for prescription medications, as well as free preventive care, screenings and immunizations.

The Affordable Care Act faces ongoing challenges and has suffered undeserved attacks by pundits and politicians. I believe the benefits to the American people have already far outweighed the downsides. Recent studies show that individuals are taking better care of themselves, seeing primary care physicians more regularly and avoiding costly emergency room visits.

Sen. Susan Collins has gained my respect through the years for advocating for all Mainers, including low-income workers, women, seniors and children.

I am counting on her to rally behind the individuals and businesses who have sought coverage through the ACA. People are counting on her to maintain her record as a moderate and not bow to pressure from more conservative colleagues in Congress.

It would be rash and ill-conceived to gut a program that is working and improving the health of the American people.

Susann Pelletier, Lewiston