In 2014, 59 House members and 23 senators in the Arkansas Legislature were covered by the state of Arkansas in the state's employee health insurance program. Wouldn't it just be fair if anyone -- not just lawmakers taking care of themselves -- in Arkansas had the opportunity to participate in a state-managed health program? Instead, the legislators are poised to cut off health insurance coverage for Arkansans who, unlike legislators, do not otherwise have access to group plans paid for by Arkansas taxpayers.
The Arkansas House of Representatives -- filled with many now generously covered by the state of Arkansas -- has just voted to cut off Arkansans seeking to enroll in Medicaid. In reference to the fact that 330,000 Arkansans have registered for health coverage, some in the Legislature call the number "too high." Well, Arkansas is one of the poorest states in the United States. Have these legislators noticed the reality or are they just too busy collecting their state salaries and benefits?
How are people supposed to afford health coverage on a minimum wage that doesn't even come close to covering other living expenses, much less health care? So here's a suggestion to members of the Legislature: Take your own medicine before forcing it on the rest of us. If its sauce for the goose, it should be sauce for the gander. Cut off your own access to a state-supported group health plan before forcing it on those citizens you are supposed to be representing.
Joe Neal
Fayetteville
Commentary on 03/16/2017