To say our health insurance system is changing is an understatement. We have specific, detailed lines regarding income and circumstances and who we say are our neediest residents. They can use the Medicaid system, which has recently converted to three private insurance companies. The health care marketplace creates another very specific set of income lines, where premium payments are subsidized on a sliding scale. If your income falls somewhere between the guidelines of these two systems, then you get nothing. We’re literally telling a family of four making $24,000 per year that we’re glad to help, but to the family of four earning $23,000 per year, best of luck, you’re on your own. Moreover, we’re giving more help to the family of four making $94,000 per year than that family at $23,000.

Last week’s failure to expand Medicaid was a disappointment to those caught in the gap. The “throw the baby out with the bath water” approach missed the bigger point. There is a huge gap in our system of health insurance coverage. It’s difficult to fathom that while our elected officials seemed to all agree that closing this gap was needed, and there were just minor disagreements on implementation, the solution decided upon was to do nothing. We have specified exactly who we will not help.

Giving the most help to those most in need makes sense. Giving some help to those who have some level of need makes sense. I’m sure there will always be disagreement and compromise on levels of need and associated support. What our legislators did last week was not just illogical, but hurtful to so many. Surely we can do better.

Keith Ballingall, President

Health Market Connect

Manchester

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