No affordable health insurance?
More than one million North Carolinians (12.9% ) have no health insurance. As in many things, the people of WNC are not doing as well as the state as a whole. In
Many of these people fall in 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 which can save lives and preserve the health of working families across western NC.
The Medicaid coverage gap hits our mountain home especially hard. Medicaid Expansion can bring billions of federal dollars to NC. Only 11 other states have rejected Medicaid expansion (
Medicaid expansion brings increased medical care to people with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. This not only saves lives but results in fewer health crises, ER visits and hospital days. Treatment options for people with mental health issues are critical, especially here in WNC. 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, or illegal/illicit drugs. In addition to improved health, Medicaid expansion will help to keep our rural hospitals open. This brings jobs and with it, a boost to the local economy.
Please contact your
Elaine Slocumb Bryson City
South St. Paul basketball coach resigns. Court hearing on fraud case postponed after attorney ill. [Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.]
South St. Paul basketball coach resigns. Court hearing on fraud case postponed after attorney ill. [Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.]
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