Medicaid has helped people in my life

Editor:

As I hear more about the proposed expansion of Medicaid eligibility being debated in Helena, I can't help but reflect on how Medicaid has helped people in my life.

My grandfather served in the Vietnam War and suffers from the ongoing effects of Agent Orange. He is able to receive the services and health care he needs because of Medicaid. For him and so many veterans, the VA benefits are not enough and access to Medicaid ensures that he is able to access the care he deserves as a United States veteran.

In Montana, military veterans and their families are among those who would benefit if lawmakers decide to expand Medicaid. Our state has the highest percentage of uninsured veterans in the nation, and Medicaid expansion could help cover almost 10,000 veterans and their families. We owe it to our military families to ensure that we honor their service to our country and make sure they have access to the health care they need.

I urge lawmakers to do what is right for our veterans and our communities by passing House Bill 458 and expanding Medicaid.

Rebecca Ziegler

Fort Benton