The pledge by Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has reignited debate over needed reforms.

As CEO of Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, one of only five Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (CO-OPs) still standing nationwide since their formation under the ACA, I have a unique perspective regarding potential solutions and improvements to the ACA. Our CO-OP’s membership is primarily comprised of individuals purchasing on the Exchange, and unlike a private insurance carrier, our non-profit health insurance cooperative focuses solely on member needs, without the influence of external shareholders.

It is disheartening that the security of our members’ health insurance coverage is caught up in this political battle. Every decision we make puts our members at the forefront and I implore Congress to apply that same philosophy to this debate – do what’s best for Americans rather than for your political party. If that was the case, rather than a repeal and replacement of the ACA, Congress would conduct a careful evaluation of what has worked and what has not and then implement effective reforms. This would provide ACA enrollees the security of knowing their coverage will not be taken away and would also assure the American people that our leaders are doing all that they can to address the costs of health care and health insurance.