WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) welcomes Lisa Boone Bogacki, a champion for affordable healthcare, as her guest to President Trump’s State of the Union on February 24, 2026. As Americans across the country see their healthcare premiums skyrocket — forcing many to give up coverage altogether — Lisa has been a vocal advocate for critical federal programs, sharing her own family’s story to defend the Affordable Care Act and Social Security benefits.
Born and raised in Berks County, Lisa and her husband, Gary, returned to Fleetwood after marrying Gary Bogacki to be close to family while raising their children: Matthew, Erin, and Joshua. Tragically, Gary Bogacki died in 2009 of sudden cardiac death. He was 42.
“In the blink of an eye, more than half our family income, our health insurance, and half of my heart was gone. I learned the very real meaning of ‘It takes a village,’ and I am truly grateful for the amazing support we received from family, friends, and community,” Lisa Boone Bogacki said. “Due to these life events, I’ve become an accidental advocate of sorts for our much needed government social safety systems.”
To exacerbate the Bogackis’ tragedy, Lisa lost their employer-based health insurance and faced the financial pressure to raise three children on her income alone. Lisa’s lifelines were Social Security survivor benefits for her children and the newly created Affordable Care Act, allowing her the necessary flexibility as a self-employed working mother.
“Prior to the ACA, I paid over $20,000 annually for insurance coverage, and this was where the majority of the kids’ survivor’s benefits was spent. The ACA finally made insurance premiums affordable for us. This year, my premiums have drastically increased, following the new cuts made to the program,” Lisa continued. “I am humbled and honored to be a guest of Representative Dean, and I thank her and her office for her steadfast representation of all of her constituents.”
Congresswoman Dean first met Lisa last fall, where she testified before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to paint a clear picture of how Americans will suffer from Congressional Republicans’ drastic cuts to Medicaid. Now, the ACA tax credits have expired, and as Senate Republicans delay a vote, families have confronted a severe rise in healthcare coverage.
“Lisa’s story is one of profound loss, but also one of resilience — how a mother will work above and beyond for her family. Our duty as Members of Congress is ensuring families like the Bogacki family are not unmoored in the face of immense challenges,” Rep. Dean said. “I had the privilege of meeting with Lisa last year, when she bravely and beautifully shared her story to lawmakers in Washington. Stories matter and because of people like Lisa, we can better understand just how crucial programs like the ACA and Social Security are to our families, friends, and neighbors. I am honored to welcome her to the State of the Union, and I thank her for her extraordinary advocacy.”
Lisa has been a physical therapist for 39 years as well as a small business owner. Her public service extends beyond her healthcare advocacy — Lisa also currently serves as School Director for Fleetwood Area School District and Board Representative for Berks County Intermediate Unit.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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