Dear Editor:

The human body is an amazing organism, but it can be damaged by illness or disability without warning. Cancer, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, mental illness, car accident — there is an endless list of problems that can befall us without warning. These health challenges occur to people without discrimination. Rich or poor, young or old, we should all be mindful that we can be struck down at any moment.

Unfortunately, in Maine, being rich or poor or young or old does affect our ability to receive adequate care in the event of medical calamity. Question 2, Medicaid Expansion, on the Nov. 7 ballot, attempts to bring fairness and common sense to the question of providing medical care to those who can’t now afford it. Today, some 70,000 Maine adults lack health coverage. Many of them work full time in low income jobs (less than $17,000 annually, or $28,000 for a family of three) that don’t provide healthcare benefits. When they need hospitalization, the hospital is required to provide care, even if they lack the ability to pay. This places tremendous financial burdens on smaller rural hospitals, like Miles and Mid Coast.

By expanding Medicaid in Maine — something our legislature has passed five times, only to be vetoed by the governor — we can provide healthcare for these 70,000 friends and neighbors, relieving them of worry and our hospitals of financial stress. The Maine Center for Economic Policy estimates this will result in 3,000 new jobs. And, contrary to misinformation that the governor and his supporters are spreading, we can do this without increasing state taxes. The federal government will pay 90 percent of the cost. Accepting Medicaid Expansion will not affect Medicare recipients, but it will certainly help local hospitals keep their budgets in order. It is good financial sense, not to mention neighborly compassion, to vote yes on Question 2.

Barbara Burt

Boothbay Harbor