The debate surrounding our nation’s health care system is one between people’s frustrations with the current system vs. the fear of what could be next.

But instead of talking honestly, the debate has devolved into name calling and scare tactics.

We must take a step back and focus on what matters.

Every health care plan should have four basic tenets: 1) the ability to see a professional health care worker when one is sick, 2) the ability for folks to manage their own health (chronic illnesses and general wellness alike), 3) an expectation of privacy, as neither the government nor private businesses should interfere with health decisions, and 4) affordability.

The Affordable Care Act (aka ACA or Obamacare) successfully focused on those four ideas.

The ACA includes a vital provision that protects people with pre-existing conditions.

People no longer face the risk of losing their health insurance (or having costs skyrocket to the point of making it unaffordable) due to ailments such as diabetes, breast cancer or high blood pressure. (Fun fact: pregnancy is a pre-existing condition.)

Last month, the administration of President Donald Trump declared the entire ACA needs to be thrown out, including this vital protection.

I have introduced legislation that, if enacted, would guarantee protections for Pennsylvanians with pre-existing conditions.

By starting with the basics, we can advance health care policies that will help all Americans including those with pre-existing conditions.

Eliminating the name calling and fear mongering will go a long way toward a more fair, just and affordable system of health care.

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Editor’s note: State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-22nd, represents the 22nd Legislative District which includes: Allentown Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 6 Division 1, Ward 07, Ward 08 Divisions 1 and 2, Ward 9, Ward 10 Division 1, Ward 11 Divisions 1 and 2, Ward 12, Ward 14 Division 2, Ward 16 and Ward 19.