Opponents of Medicaid expansion put politics over people (CS Monitor)
Opponents of Medicaid expansion put politics over people
The rejection by several Republican-led states of the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion to provide health care access to millions of Americas poor isnt just partisan politics; its immoral. Its not too late to press state leaders to put people ahead of partisanship.
By Kate Holder / April 11, 2013
The third anniversary of the signing of President Obamas Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was recognized last month with the usual debate over its costs and benefits and impact on the federal deficit.
GOP opponents have objected to the law, often invoking a moral argument that it violates individual and states rights. But in their efforts to undercut the law, many of its most vocal adversaries are committing a moral transgression of their own. The rejection by several Republican-led states of the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion to provide health-care access to millions of Americas poor isnt just partisan politics; its immoral.
Fortunately, states can sign on to Medicaid expansion at any time, so its not too late for citizens to press their state leaders to put people ahead of partisanship and help Americans in need.
To date, as many as 17 states all led by Republican governors and/or Republican-controlled legislatures have either refused or are leaning toward refusing the Medicaid expansion. That means denying health coverage to more than 5 million of the 20 million uninsured Americans who would be eligible.
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