In between naps on an early-morning flight to Colorado, I was reading the Summer 2013 issue of Ms. Magazine. I love when my new issues arrive in the mail, and for the next 48 hours I read as often as possible between work and school until I make it cover to cover. But this issue was different, and I had no idea when I opened it that the information it contained would have the potential to irrevocably change my life.

In a piece “Test Cases” by Susan Goldberg, I learned a lot of what I never knew concerning genetic testing and screening, and soon how those practices would be affected under the Affordable Care Act. But one tidbit of information shook me to the core. Goldberg stated that “The ACA will cover genetic counseling and testing for BRCA mutations as a preventive service for patients covered by insurance plans…” I read those words and immediately dissolved into hysterical sobs in the arms of my partner, and passing flight attendants stopped to check in with worried faces shining in the early morning light. With one shaking finger I underlined the aforementioned sentence for my partner’s eye and cried to him, “I might have a shot!” before dissolving into more tears coupled with rattling breaths.

Having a maternal grandmother and her sister both develop and die from breast cancer in their early 60s, this sentence stopped my reading pattern dead in its tracks. In regard to breast cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations more than double the chances of a carrier developing breast and ovarian cancers. Previously, testing for these genetic mutations was not covered under any insurance plan, though one could test for these mutations through the patented company for thousands of dollars. However, if an individual tested positive that individual would be refused insurance coverage everywhere for having a pre-existing condition. So being aware of having this genetic mutation could kill you almost as easily as not knowing until it’s too late.

But now the ACA is riding in on a white horse. Having the ability to be tested for this genetic mutation could drastically improve the quality of my mother’s life and the lives of her four sisters, as they are already at high risk for contracting breast and ovarian cancers, even without knowing if they are carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2. This could also directly impact my life for the better.

These genetic screenings are not secured willy-nilly; a patient must demonstrate a high risk that she could carry this mutation and there are concerns that loopholes will be discovered to prevent insurance companies from covering individuals who test positive, however, this shift in initial policy is everything. That this door is even a possibility, now, makes me less afraid of the potential time bomb I have ticking inside my body, and the bodies of my female (and even male) relatives.

The Affordable Care Act is making great efforts to allow me to actively take care of my body beyond colds, flus, and annual gynecological exams. The ACA is promising the tools that could prevent the development of breast and ovarian cancers in millions of American women every year. With this ruling, the ACA could literally save my life.

Here are some resources where you can find out more:

Preventive health services for women

Talk with a Doctor If Breast or Ovarian Cancer Runs in Your Family

National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet

Genetics and Breast Cancer

Emily Vrotsos is a MomsRising member sharing her personal story. You can join about a million other MomsRising members who are helping support the Affordable Care Act for Emily and so many others! Click here: http://action.momsrising.org/cms/signup/signup_74