Substantial changes could be coming to Medicaid in New Hampshire, causing stress for families, according to a recent article from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR).
Freedom and independence are at risk here for those who rely on Medicaid health coverage. Justin Bonny is a 21-year-old who lives at home with his family and has a genetic condition that weakens every muscle in his body, according to NHPR.
“This program, Medicaid, is vital to – just for basic survival,” Bonny was quoted as saying in NHPR’s article.
Medicaid is a necessity for people who use it as a lifeline and means of survival.
Republicans in Concord are weighing changes to the Medicaid program of New Hampshire. This includes work requirements and new monthly premiums for patients.
I disagree with this as it can become an extra burden for low-income families and individuals and it seems to contradict the overall concept of Medicaid. Medicaid’s role is created to assist people who are struggling to obtain private insurance, and adding monthly premiums does not seem ethical for the role of Medicaid.
“Bonny and others who rely on that health coverage Medicaid in New Hampshire say they’re following the news anxiously and bracing for potential life-altering changes,” NHPR wrote.
I cannot imagine how it would feel to be in this situation and the anxiety that would come across my whole body and the nerves I would feel regarding the uncertainty of my healthcare.
If Congress decides to further progress with the Medicaid cuts, it puts the state in danger financially.
NHPR wrote about an analysis conducted by the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. In this analysis, state lawmakers would be forced to come up with that new money elsewhere. The other option would be to cut back on who or what Medicaid covers in New Hampshire.
I find it alarming when looking at this through the lens of moral and social values because cutting Medicaid coverage puts vulnerable populations of people at risk and will have a severe negative impact on them. I feel no other way than that healthcare is a fundamental right and it should be easily accessible.
“Neither Ayotte’s office nor the state Department of Health and Human Services answered questions about how much people would pay in premiums, though federal law caps the costs at 5% of income,” according to NHPR.
Without a doubt, there seems to be a lack of transparency relating to these premiums which adds extra stress on families and individuals trying to brace for these changes, when they are unsure of how much they will need to pay in premiums.
Erin Morehouse, a Nashua resident, is uneasy with the thought that the premiums could make coverage unaffordable for her, according to NHPR. She was laid off from her job as a public health researcher and she has been working part-time at Target for $17 an hour and has been searching for another job.
“Medicaid has allowed her to afford the medications she needs for asthma and serious allergies, she said. But if she had to pay 5% of her income each month for Medicaid, she’d probably have to go without health coverage,” wrote NHPR about Morehouse.
This is very upsetting to hear because nobody should ever have to go without necessary medications, especially not because of unaffordability due to additional premiums on Medicaid.
In terms of a solution, I feel as though the cuts are not needed. New Hampshire lawmakers should reconsider their plans regarding Medicaid. This will only be for the greater good and will benefit the citizens of New Hampshire using Medicaid.
Ali Barreta can be contacted at
abarretta@kscequinox.com
