May 31– May 31–The Republican-led N.C. Senate unveiled its proposed 2019-21 state budget on Tuesday, which does not include expansion of the state’s Medicaid program.
Expanding Medicaid has been a top priority for Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Proponents on both sides of the aisle say it will help at least 500,000 residents who currently cannot afford health insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid under the existing rules.
The issue has been hotly debated and rekindled long-held animus among diehard conservatives over the Affordable Care Act, driven by lingering opposition — and in some cases downright resentment — of former President Barack Obama.
But at what point do we forsake political stubbornness and divisiveness and look at what’s best for our residents as a whole?
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