Recent budget negotiations in Augusta and Washington, D.C., have threatened to cut Medicare and Medicaid (MaineCare) programs. Those programs cover the most vulnerable citizens — those with the lowest income, our senior citizens, and those who have been disabled for over two years.

Thanks in large part to state Rep. Peggy Rotundo and state Sen. Margaret Craven, the Medicare Savings Program and the low-cost drugs for the elderly program were saved from the governor’s ax this past session. Now, the Washington delegation needs to step up and save Medicare and Medicaid on a federal level.

I am trained as a primary care physician. There is extensive evidence proving that screening for illnesses such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer saves lives.

Likewise, early detection and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol help prevent complications, including heart disease and premature death.

Quality health care is a fundamental human right. Each person deserves that dignity. Medicine is not simply a service or privilege. The goal should be to provide everyone with universal coverage instead of cutting existing programs.

Elected officials need to say no to millionaires, billionaires and corporations seeking continued tax breaks and taking advantage of loopholes.

Instead, government officials need to work together to improve the quality of life for everyone. Investing in the health of the nation’s citizens is not only the humane thing to do, but it will also save money in the long-term.

Heidi Brooks, M.D., Lewiston