I am concerned about SB47, Medicaid expansion. This bill concerns me because I do not think an expansion of government-run health care is what Utah needs now or in the future. Medicaid will only add expenses to the state, thus leaving less money for other programs such as schools, human services, etc. Utah needs to continue to pride itself on being one of the lowest Medicaid-using states in the country.
It is no secret that there is a shortage in doctors and other health care professionals around the country. According to Forbes magazine, doctors are reluctant to take Medicaid patients because of waiting times and reimbursement rates. With an increase in government health care, more people will be discouraged to pursue the practice of medicine. Not only will doctors be unable to afford the cutting costs of Medicaid, but the state itself would be more prone to falling into financial crisis.
My solution to this involves treating health care as a “good” instead of a “right.” By doing this, the free market will naturally lower the costs of health care because of the competition.
Loyd Ty Christiansen, Salt Lake City