Letter to the Editor: Medicaid expansion right thing to do

From the Bangor Daily News, Monday, February 29, 2016

Medicaid expansion right thing to do

The Maine Council of Churches, representing nine denominations and 550 congregations across the state, would like to add its voice to those of the Maine Hospital Association, the Maine Sheriffs Association, the Maine Chiefs of Police Association and nearly 60 percent of recently polled Mainers in support of Sen. Tom Saviello’s proposal to expand Medicaid coverage to more of Maine’s vulnerable and low-income citizens.

The council, rooted in Hebrew and Christian scripture, takes the biblical mandate seriously to love our neighbors and care for those in need. We believe it is our collective responsibility to share the means to health through access to health coverage, helping to ensure that all people can live healthy, whole, safe lives, free from the fear that their next illness will mean not only personal tragedy but also bankruptcy, homelessness or even death.

Thirty-two states have already elected to expand Medicaid coverage. We hope and pray that Maine will become the next to do so.

Rev. Jane Field
Executive director
Maine Council of Churches
Portland