Thousands gather to rally support for Affordable Care Act

BOSTON — Thousands gathered outside Faneuil Hall Sunday in support of the Affordable Care Act.

“I'm absolutely disgusted by the situation right now where Mr. Trump is trying to get rid of Obamacare,” said Luis Ramirez, who attended the rally.

It was a chilly Sunday, but the emotions were hot, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Ed Markey were there saying they were ready to fight.

“If Republicans try to rip healthcare out of the hands of millions of Americans, we will fight them every step of the way,” said Warren.

“Are you ready to fight in 2017 to defend the Affordable Care Act?” asked Markey.

Local politicians were also at the rally, and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said repealing the ACA would have a devastating effect on the city.

“Community health centers, another great Ted Kennedy Boston invention, stand to lose $26 million and nearly 17,000 patients alone,” he said.

While President-elect Donald Trump says that the ACA has been a disaster, some in the crowd said the law has worked really well for them.

“Two of my daughters stayed on my health insurance after they graduated and my youngest is graduating in May and you bet she's going to notice if she doesn't have any health insurance,” said Ellen Whalen.

Supporters of the ACA are counting on the fact that the law is more popular than opponents think.

“Healthcare is an undeniable, inalienable right. And once people get that right...They're not going to want to give it back,” said Ryan Berard of the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

In a news conference last week, Trump said that he has told lawmakers he wants "repeal and replace" to be almost simultaneous. What exactly the new health care law will look like isn't clear yet.

Cox Media Group