PROP 2: Yes for veterans

On Nov. 6, please vote YES on PROPOSITION 2 — Medicaid Expansion. Do this for our veterans and your neighbors.

As a retired Army Judge Advocate General, I have given legal assistance to hundreds of our veterans who deserve our thanks and support. There are approximately 30,000 veterans in Kootenai County. That number is increasing as we continue combat deployments overseas.

I have made an observation firsthand that many of our veterans have Medicaid as a source of coverage. This coverage ensures that veterans get the primary and specialty care that these patriots have earned. In fact, about 340,000 veterans nationally receive coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion — which the Idaho Legislature has refused veterans and others who fall within the coverage gap of earning too much while still below the poverty line.

Additionally, not all veterans enrolled in the VA can easily use VA services because of transportation issues in rural areas like Idaho. They must rely on Medicaid.

On Nov. 6, give our veterans a meaningful tribute by voting YES on Proposition 2. Make it easier, not harder, for veterans to access the health care they have earned and deserve.

Hold all sitting legislators accountable who rejected $400 million annually in federal funds to expand Medicaid, and who force the unfortunate to decide between life-saving care and putting food on the table.

Help your veterans and neighbors by voting YES on PROPOSITION 2.

LT. COL. BILL DOUGLAS

U.S. Army JAG, Ret.

Former Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney

Post Falls