The Norman Transcript

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March 10, 2013

Fallin should accept federal funding for expanded Medicaid

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Editor, The Transcript:

We all are aware of the increased poverty in our country due to the financial crisis of the past several years.

I am very concerned that Governor Mary Fallin has chosen to refuse the financial means for expanded Medicaid that has been offered to the state of Oklahoma from the federal government.

It will be provided totally by the federal government for the first two to three years and eventually the state will begin paying a gradually small portion, reaching after ten years only 10 percent of the cost. An additional 200,000 Oklahomans would be served by this program.

The recipients of Medicaid are children, the elderly and severely disabled.

How can help be refused for those of our state who are in need of preventative care, medical care, and nursing homes, especially when our state will be footing none or very little of the bill? Our hospitals are also suffering financially from this decision by our Governor.

Many Republican governors have reconsidered and have placed the well being of their citizens as a top priority.

Even Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona has changed her mind and decided to accept this aid by saying, “It’s a moral thing.”

It is a moral thing!

1 John 3:17-18:

17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and truth.

On local television I heard that Gov. Fallin’s elderly aunt runs a free health clinic for those who cannot afford health insurance.

She must be commended for her dedication and kindness.

M.L. Rogers

Norman

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