I have trained and worked as a physician assistant in both U.S. and Canadian hospitals.
The Press Herald recently reported that the uninsured rate in Maine dropped from 8% to 5.7% in the last three years, because of expanded Medicaid (“More Mainers have health insurance, census finds,” Sept. 19). The year before the Affordable Care Act was implemented, the rate was 11.2%. While Massachusetts has an even lower rate of uninsured (2.5%), states that rejected Medicaid have a much higher share (Texas is the highest, at 18%).
These differences may seem small, but they represent many thousands of people. Kids with asthma, workers with high blood pressure and those in line for prenatal care need no longer go without needed treatment. This improved care contributes to a sense of security, wellness and confidence in a society that cares about its citizens.
Asked the difference between countries, I answer: access to health care. Don’t let Mainers go back to almost 100,000 people without care. Vote Democratic on Nov. 8.
Rebecca Fox
Ogunquit
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