Opposing expansion 'incomprehensible'

The passage of HB76 is expected to provide healthcare coverage to over 600,000 North Carolinians and bring billions in federal dollars to the state to pay for it.



According to Care4Carolina, a coalition of patient advocates, health providers and economic development organizations, approximately 5,597 people in Wilkes, 2,367 in Alexander; 5,677 in Surry and 2538 in Yadkin would gain access to healthcare coverage by passing HB76. With access to coverage, residents are less likely to postpone medical treatment, thus preventing serious conditions which require expensive emergency care.

Rural hospitals benefit by reducing their costs of providing uncompensated care. 

HB76 passed the House with an overwhelming vote of 92 to 22, and the Senate with a vote of 44 to 2. Wilkes and Alexander counties are represented by Rep. Jeffrey Elmore. Wilkes, Alexander, Surry and Yadkin counties are represented by Sen. Eddie Settle.

Representative Elmore and Senator Settle were both among the small number of legislators voting against HB76. That they would vote against a bill that will save so many lives and bring jobs, economic growth and billions of dollars into the state is truly incomprehensible.

KATHRYN CHARLES,

Purlear, N.C.

Editor's Note: Kathryn Charles is chairman of the Wilkes County Democratic Party.