Medicaid Expansion

I just heard on the news that the New Hampshire Senate voted against Medicaid expansion. I am so disappointed; I really think we missed out on a great opportunity to improve the lives of many low income families and people dealing with chronic illness in our state. And we have missed out on 100% federally funded scheme for 3 years, in fact New Hampshire would have received over $2billion.  Last Tuesday I had the opportunity, along with other Amherst residents to talk with Senator Bragdon to let him know how the Medicaid expansion would improve the lives of people who have to deal with chronic illness. Dealing with chronic illness is stressful enough with insurance, the added stress of being uninsured is unimaginable.

Earlier today I travelled to the State House in Concord, I knew the vote on Medicaid Expansion was taking place. I waited outside the Senate, hoping that my presence there might in some way remind the Senators that this issue affects their constituents. While waiting, I met some wonderful people who were there for the same reason – we thought that the Expansion would be a good deal for NH. One lady, Eileen, works in the soup kitchen, she came with a petition signed by many people who had no insurance and could not afford to visit a doctor for any illness. I met a veteran who thought it is our duty to look after the less fortunate in our society. I was surrounded by people from all walks of life - workers, moms, tax payers, people with diabetes, people with disabilities and many others.  It is estimated up to 58,000 low income Granite State residents would have benefited from Medicaid expansion. So those 58,000 will continue to be uninsured, surely it is better to have a system where people are insured and not afraid to visit a doctor and receive treatment than end up in the ER? Medicaid expansion is federally funded from our tax dollars, so now we are paying for a scheme that we will not benefit New Hampshire but will benefit at least 23 other States. I don’t see the logic? When political ideologies take precidence over the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our community, it is very sad. Hopefully, over the next few weeks our representatives can remember the less fortunate when deciding about the budget and come to a logical and fair agreement to benefit ALL New Hampshire residents.