PROP 2: It's our money

Let’s clarify: voting YES for Medicaid expansion on Nov. 6 is right for Idaho. This initiative is about Idahoans taking care of Idahoans. Spaghetti feeds and Go Fund Me donations do not cover the medical bills for cancer treatments. Only health insurance keeps families from bankruptcy due to medical bills and gives them peace of mind at times of great stress.

Medicaid expansion is a federal program for American citizens. Some complain about taking federal dollars and yet, how many people receiving Social Security, Medicare or VA benefits would refuse these payments?

The federal government is our government. Tax dollars from Idaho have expanded Medicaid in 33 states, but not here. Our state legislators have decided to forego this money. Medicare and Medicaid help the elderly and poor, respectively. The Affordable Care Act and employers who offer health care coverage assist those in well-paying jobs. Only the 62,000 Idahoans who work for low wages and no benefits do not get some financial assistance to cover health care. Money has been available for six years. The Idaho Legislature decided we would be one of only 17 states to deprive the working poor of this American-citizen benefit. Just imagine if these same legislators said no to Medicare, Social Security or VA hospitals.

Medicaid expansion is fiscally responsible, too. It will bring home $400 million annually in federal dollars, create jobs and keep rural hospitals open.

Vote YES for Prop 2 on Nov. 6. It makes sense and hard working Idahoans will thank you.

JAN STUDER

Coeur d’Alene