Stumped by the confusing rollout of the Affordable Care Act, my mother, who lives in Vermont, was without health insurance for many years. When she was admitted into the hospital in 2017, it was a scary time—not only because of her health crisis and subsequent diagnosis with a chronic condition that would require ongoing care, but because of the worry about how to pay for it. Thankfully, the hospital’s navigator was amazing, and because Vermont had expanded Medicaid, Mom was able to get coverage. Today, she is doing well.  

Unfortunately, if Mom lived in Maine her situation would have been entirely different. Her income level puts her squarely in that donut hole that should have been addressed by states expanding Medicaid—and in states like Maine, who have declined to do so, people are still falling through that gap. It infuriates me that so many Mainers are stuck either with neglected health or piles of medical bills – or both. This fall, I am supporting Bill Pluecker for the Statehouse for many reasons. Among them is Bill’s strong support of making health care accessible for Mainers, and his commitment to seeing the will of the voters through and expanding Medicaid here. No one should have the face the hardship that comes from not having health coverage, and Bill will work to make that vision come true.

Regina Rooney lives in Hope