To the Editor,

When we view our county’s status at the highest level of so many negative economic and social indicators, we need to recognize the many reasons why this is so.

Prior to 2000, we all, working together — individuals, families, communities, institutions, and leaders — lowered poverty to 22 percent in Robeson County, the lowest it has ever been in our county’s history. Through no fault of our own and with the massive loss of jobs, tobacco subsidies and falling prices for export crops, our poverty rate in Robeson County rose in 15 years and now stands at 32 percent. As a result, 45 percent of children in our county are now living in poverty and 35,000 citizens, mostly children and the disabled, are now on Medicaid.

We as a state have not taken advantage of available national monies to expand Medicaid. Research documents that expanding Medicaid in 2016 would insure an additional 7,000 people in Robeson County, create 1,000 jobs, and contribute $450 million to our county’s economy.

Expanding Medicaid is now free to the state. When payments begin, our state will only have to pay 10 percent of new costs. Presently, our state is paying 100 percent of new medical costs for many people who do not have health insurance or Medicaid. In the regular Medicaid program, our state pays 50 percent of costs. Expanding Medicaid will actually insure those in most need of health care, support thousands of new jobs, significantly expand our county’s economy, and save millions of dollars per year.

There are critics of Medicaid on all sides of the political debate. There are concerns with costs, accountability, low levels of reimbursements, low minimum wage standards, late payments, and other issues.

Next Monday, April 18, the last of 12 North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ public searings will be held in the Moore Hall Auditorium at UNCP from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.. Following a presentation on Medicaid reform, the microphone will open for public comment.

Also, Dr. Jonathan Koch, a pediatrician, faculty member at UNC-CH, and president of Health Care for All NC, is leading a discussion on Medicaid Expansion at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at First Baptist Church on West Second Street.

Democracy and our communities only thrive when our citizens take an active role in shaping it. Please join us at these important meetings.

Mac Legerton

Executive director

Center for Community Action