Citizens at risk

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Senator Dan Hughes’ column from July 19, 2018, titled, “Medicaid expansion would require cuts.”

Medicaid expansion would cover more than 90,000 Nebraskans living across the state. These are the folks in the “gap.” Nebraskans working in low wage jobs without access to health insurance. People working in restaurants and retail shops, in health care, on construction sites, and on farms and ranches. Without access to affordable health insurance, these Nebraskans are truly at risk. And, without coverage, their only option is typically visiting a hospital emergency room which further strains the health care system.

Medicaid expansion would cover single people making up to $16,753 a year or $34,638 for a four-person household. By most any standard, these are not living wages that can sustain a family in today’s economy, let alone afford health insurance.

State Sen. Dan Hughes represents the 44th Legislative District here in Nebraska. He recently commented that, “those who are in need are already covered under the current system.” The truth of the matter is that 17% of the residents age 18 to 64 in his district are currently uninsured. That equates to 1,650 Nebraskans that would benefit from Medicaid expansion (just in his district). These Nebraskans are our coworkers, our neighbors, friends, and family members.

Other states that have expanded Medicaid have seen an increase in access to health care, a boost to local economies, and an increase in jobs in their communities. Expanding Medicaid in Nebraska would bring in over $1 billion of federal funding and create and sustain over 10,000 new jobs.

Ensuring EVERYONE can get access to health insurance is vital to the health of our state. All Nebraskans deserve the chance to be healthy and have equal access to health insurance coverage. This is not about politics. Medicaid expansion is about putting people first.

I encourage you to vote FOR expanding Medicaid on November 9.

Deboarah L. Herzberg,

RN, MS, FACHE CEO

Tri Valley

Health Systems,

Cambridge, Neb.