As one of Andover’s elected state representatives, I attended the August 27 public hearing on Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire at the State House. The committee studying expansion is made up of six senators and six representatives from both parties, as well as three public members. Forty-nine citizens testified at the hearing; 44 were in favor of Medicaid expansion, five were opposed. Of those opposed, four were men and one was a woman.

Many of those testifying don’t have medical coverage because they cannot afford private individual coverage. They are frequently working low-paying temporary jobs with no benefits. Many are women in the 45 to 64 age group who are just one illness away from bankruptcy. The study committee is supposed to produce a report by October 15, 2013.

The US Supreme Court ruled that states can individually decide whether to offer expanded Medicaid. So far, 25 states are moving toward approval, of which 16 have signed expansion into law. Several others, like New Hampshire, have established committees to study Medicaid expansion.

If New Hampshire doesn’t approve Medicaid expansion by the January 1, 2014 start date, it stands to lose out on $2.5 billion in federal funds – income tax money we’ve already sent to Washington. Other states will be using our money if we don’t.

If we approve Medicaid expansion, the federal government pays 100% of coverage for newly eligible people, with federal support phasing down to 90% by 2020.

Medicaid expansion is a job creator, probably 5,000 new jobs in New Hampshire. It would provide medical coverage for more than 50,000 New Hampshire residents, most of whom are employed but receive no benefits as part of their employment.

With Medicaid expansion, many of our citizens would be able to seek preventive care and would no longer come to the emergency room after delaying care until a health crisis occurs.

We need to approve Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire now. It will improve the health and well-being of our citizens and help our hospitals, mental health providers, and health centers by greatly decreasing the costs of uncompensated care.

Let’s make the right choice for all our citizens!

David Karrick is New Hampshire State Representative for Merrimack County District 25, which includes Andover. You can reach him at 456-2772 or D_Karrick@nullMCTtelecom.com.