To the editor:

As a small business owner, I worry about the cost of insurance. Recently, much to my surprise, a letter arrived from my health insurance company with a refund for 2011. Why? The Affordable Care Act requires that the company (United Healthcare) refund me a percentage of my cost if it does not spend at least 80 percent of the premiums on health care services. (They spent 74.8 percent)  Now, without the Affordable Care Act, I would stupidly pay the premiums and never receive this benefit.

Before everyone judges the Act, let’s understand all the benefits to the small business owner struggling to make it in this world. I would never have had this refund and imagine millions of others like myself are receiving checks that must be refunded by Aug. 1. I imagine there are many other aspects we do not understand, and the hype to repeal — without understanding the benefits and changes — is, in my mind, irresponsible.

Make decisions on objective fact and stop the hype. I, for one, am very turned off by the so-called repealers who say repeal but offer no alternative. I will vote my stance on this issue. In the mean time, I have an extra $500 to put toward the extra taxes the city will charge me for being a homeowner (sigh) so it can to fund some wreck center or some such.

Can’t win for losing.

I urge others to understand the facts before judging — not the hype. And enjoy your refund.