Last fall when the ‘Nuns on the Bus’ rode for economic justice, the support we received was tremendous. Today, I’m writing to ask for your help again, on behalf of Iowans who are less fortunate than most of us.
Thousands of Iowans — far too many — live and work every day, just on the edge of poverty. They do not make enough money to afford health insurance, but make just enough not to qualify for Medicaid. They have slipped through the cracks in our system, leaving them without health care, unprotected in case of emergency and unable to plan for their future.
Thankfully, the Affordable Care Act provides a solution: an expanded Medicaid program, which would make health care available for these Iowans and their families. There is just one problem — Governor Terry Branstad is refusing to allow Medicaid expansion.
There is no reasonable excuse for Governor Branstad’s refusal to expand Medicaid.
By expanding Medicaid, an additional 150,000 Iowans would receive access to health insurance, and the state would save money – $546 million over the next decade. Medicaid expansion would also create jobs and provide an economic boost to Iowa hospitals.
Even political considerations should not be a reason for rejecting the expansion. Several of Governor Branstad’s colleagues, Republican governors, have agreed to Medicaid expansion. Their states will see all the benefits of this program. Governor Branstad should follow their bipartisan lead.
Governor Terry Branstad has an opportunity to do something remarkable for our state — expanding Medicaid and providing care for those in need.
Thank you for your support of ‘Nuns on the Bus’ last year — I hope you will ‘ride’ again for Medicaid expansion!
Sincerely,
Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM
P.S. We are planning a ‘Nuns on the Bus’ event to bring faith leaders together for Medicaid expansion — to be the first to know all the details, sign the petition today. And if you’ve already signed, be sure to forward this message to friends and family!
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