To the Editor:

More than one million North Carolinians have no health insurance. Many fall in what is known as the “Medicaid coverage gap” — they cannot afford to buy health insurance without fear of bankruptcy. The majority are working adults, between 18 and 64 years of age, without dependent children. Most live paycheck to paycheck. Many hold two or more part-time jobs. All of us have a family member or neighbor who lives in the gap, playing Russian roulette with their health. Expanding Medicaid will help close the coverage gap, can save lives and preserve the health of working families across Western North Carolina. 

 The Medicaid coverage gap hits rural areas like our mountain home especially hard. Medicaid expansion can bring billions of federal dollars to the state. We are one of 14 states that has rejected Medicaid expansion. Here’s how it works. The federal government pays 90 percent of the costs of expansion while N.C. would pay just 10 percent of the tab. Right now, our citizens pay federal taxes but the state does not receive the 90 percent subsidy back. Basically, we are giving away our hard-earned tax dollars to the 36 states that have expanded Medicaid. It makes no sense to give all that money away. 

Medicaid expansion would bring increased medical care to people with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. This would not only saves lives but result in fewer health crises, ER visits and hospital days. This saves money for all N.C. citizens. Treatment options for people with mental health issues is critical. Medicaid expansion is exactly what is needed to combat our growing opioid crisis. Out of desperation, people with untreated medical/mental health issues often self-medicate with alcohol, illegal or illicit drugs. In addition to improved health outcomes, Medicaid expansion will help to keep our rural hospitals open. This will bring jobs and with it, a boost to the local economy. 

Please contact your N.C. Senate and House representatives to support Medicaid expansion. It makes sense. It brings money to our state. It saves lives and livelihoods. It brings jobs. We can do better.

Elaine Slocumb

Bryson City