To the editor:
We keep hearing about the opportunity Maine had in 2013 to receive federal money to expand health care coverage to thousands of struggling Mainers. Many of these people are between the ages of 50 and 64 who have lost their jobs. As anyone who has ever been out of work can understand, it can be really tough to make ends meet. If there is a way to help hard working Mainers get through those tough times then that is what the state should do.
Expanding health care coverage will give people without insurance access to preventive care that can save lives and reduce the need for expensive emergency room care. Expanding health care coverage will help thousands of 50- to 64-year-old Mainers who’ve lost their jobs or are working without health benefits. Many of these people won’t even have access to subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act health exchanges because our state turned away those federal dollars during the last legislative session.
I am hoping that this time, Maine will do the right thing. It’s time to make a difference for the people of Maine who, through no fault of their own, are in the unenviable position of living in fear of getting sick because they cannot afford health care coverage. I am hoping that this time, our elected leaders will make the right decision in 2014 and accept the federal money.
Dr. Erica Magnus
AARP volunteer
Windham
