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Fort Pierce woman to attend Joint Session of Congress as guest of Rep. Frankel

Woman credits ACA with saving her life
Posted at 7:41 PM, Feb 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-28 04:40:48-05

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel is bringing a local woman who credits the Affordable Care Act with saving her life as her guest to the joint session in Washington, D.C.

President Trump will deliver his first address to a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday at 9 p.m.

Democrats say they will be listening closely for the president’s remarks on possible changes to the ACA.

Sherry Riggs of Fort Pierce said she lost her healthcare coverage when she divorced from her husband.

Riggs said suffers from a heart condition and did not qualify for coverage until she was able to sign up under the ACA.

"If it wasn't for the Affordable Care Act I would be dead twice now. It saved my life twice,” said Riggs. “The first time was in 2015 and I had some chest pains and I went to my doctor and he did a heart cath[eter]. When the surgery was over he said you are one lucky lady."

Riggs said the second time was four months ago when she needed open heart surgery.

Riggs and Frankel left West Palm Beach for D.C. on Monday where they plan to meet members of Congress before the joint session.