HEALTH CARE: Hypocrisy on display

George Eskridge and Craig Smith maintain that the important consideration when discussing health care is whether it is mandated and governed by the state or the federal government. This thinking dismisses compassion entirely. Americans who cannot afford health insurance or who have gone bankrupt because of health care expenses probably do not care if relief comes from Idaho or Washington, D.C. The Americans who benefit from the Affordable Care Act are simply grateful to have some help.

Popular components of the ACA are children being covered on parents’ plan until age 26 and coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions. Remember Obamacare (ACA) is still the law of the land with active enrollment for 2018 just completed, and many Americans are registered and thankful.

George finishes his letter with “RIP Obamacare and good riddance.” I wonder if we should all say “RIP Medicare and Social Security,” two federal programs from which many seniors, including George (and perhaps Craig) benefit.

So, please gentlemen, next time you are so cavalier about rejoicing in disrupting health care coverage for the people of Idaho, ask yourself if you are willing to give up all the many benefits provided by the federal government: Medicare, Social Security, schools, housing, transportation, infrastructure, disaster relief, and a long list of other vital public services.

Reclaim Idaho, a grassroots campaign, is gathering signatures for a November 2018 ballot initiative, which will allow voters of Idaho to decide if we should extend health care coverage to all of our citizens. Visit www.medicaidforidaho.org to learn more.

JAN STUDER

Coeur d’Alene