I am voting “no” on Question 2, “An act to enhance access to affordable health care.”

There are many reasons to do so, but the fiscal impact statement section in the Maine Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election provides one important reason.

There is a claim in the public comments section by two supporters of Question 2, asserting it would “save the state budget $27 million a year.”

While true, that figure is an estimate of savings “within existing programs.” It goes to say that the estimated final costs to the general fund will be $54,495,000.

I also know from experience that the previous Medicaid expansion resulted in a $750 million hospital debt that took years to finally pay off.

Proponents of Question 2 stress the need for “affordable” health care — but at what cost?

Robert Casimiro, Bridgton


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