letter to the editor

Medicaid expansion question needs revision

Tue, 08/22/2017 - 11:00am

Dear Editor:

Maine voters will make a very important decision about Medicaid expansion this November 7. Secretary Dunlap is required by law to present the question “concisely and intelligibly” and has posted a version for public comment on their web site with a 5 p.m.,  Sept. 1 deadline.  

Medicaid is not health insurance, but is a program that was intended for children, pregnant women, parents of dependent children, the elderly, and those with disabilities… the truly needy.  The issue before us is about changing the purpose and funding of Medicaid.  The proposed language does not explain that we are expanding the original purpose of Medicaid, does not convey a concept of cost, and does not describe the new intended beneficiary, an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents.

I believe everyone supports access to affordable health care, but the real debate and question is how do we do that.  The ballot language must frame this question clearly for the voters.  

I have proposed the following alternative language for the question: “An Act to Expand Medicaid Coverage for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents:  Do you want to pay for the expansion of Medicaid for able bodied adults without dependents and under the age of 65 with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level?

Regardless of how you feel about the subject, voters deserve a question that makes it readily apparent for what you are voting.  Please join me and urge the Secretary to revise the proposed wording that provides clear disclosure of the issue.  

 You can email your comments to: sos.office@maine.gov but, please use “public comment” and the name of the ballot question in the subject line. Or you can mail comments to the Secretary of State, Attn: Public Comment, 148 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0148. 

Hubert Padgett

Newcastle