There have been numerous signs and television ads going out that ask people to vote yes on Question 1.

I ask voters to take a few minutes to research what will happen should the yes vote pass.

Who would ultimately pay for the coverage now provided by DirigoHealth? My understanding is the answer would be anyone who has health insurance coverage now, and at a more alarming rate than whatever amount of beer, wine, or soda that anyone might purchase.

If everyone (Maine residents and visitors to the state as well) pays a few cents more on those products at an affordable cost, insurance coverage can be kept in place for the numerous small businesses that can’t get affordable coverage on their own. That represents approximately 140,000 men, women and children.

If they lose that coverage, who pays for their health care? Those who have insurance. Hospitals can’t keep up with the cost of charitable care, and insurance companies will be asking premium payers to adsorb those costs by increasing their rates.

People need to make their vote count for people, not for profit.

Diane Mitchell, Rumford

State Lead Ambassador, American Cancer Society