I wish to congratulate you on your excellent editorial published Aug. 1 on health care and the Affordable Care Act. You emphasized those points that developed nations across the world have recognized and implemented, though the U.S., the richest nation, has ignored them.
The Constitution states that everyone has “the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” None of those are possible without health.
Sadly, today this is undermined by the lack of health insurance for many — 50 million as was pointed out. A recent study from Arizona showed that their Medicaid expansion had decreased the mortality rate by 6.1 percent. Tragically, some states, including Maine, are refusing to implement AHA Medicaid expansion, and even trying to curtail services.
Health care is a fundamental right and not a privilege for the well off. As a physician, I have learned that lesson, not only here, but in the many developing nations where I have worked.
Stephen Sokol, Lewiston
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