LETTER: Paper should cover ACA repeal better

To the editor:

Why isn’t there more attention coming from the Frontiersman in regard to the upcoming health care bill?

Within the past week, crowds have gathered outside Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s office in downtown Anchorage, rallied in downtown Anchorage, protested in Fairbanks, and gathered throughout rural communities across the state. Anchorage news sources have covered this issue, and yet, the Frontiersman has reported nothing. Mat-Su residents depend on the Frontiersman to report on current news, but there has been none surrounding the upcoming health care vote which will undoubtedly impact Mat-Su residents. The Frontiersman and other Mat-Su media can have a deep impact on communities through relevant media coverage; however, there have been no published articles surrounding the repeal of the ACA.

It seems one in four Alaskans relies on Medicaid; so Medicaid expansion has been a huge accomplishment for the state, especially for low-income earners. As the Republicans continue to draft the health care bill, I urge the Mat-Su constituents to call Sen. Murkowski and voice their concerns regarding health care in the state of Alaska. Republicans may vote on the health care bill as soon as next week.

It would be interesting to see some personal stories coming from the Valley, such as ones regarding Medicaid beneficiaries and those that use Planned Parenthood services in Anchorage. Sen. Murkowski needs to hear from her constituency in the Valley —and how the health care vote could impact them. It’s imperative for the people within the Mat-Su borough to voice their grievances about the upcoming health care decision. Certainly, this replacement bill would reduce federal Medicaid dollars, Title X funds —as well as “defund” Planned Parenthood which would severely limit women’s health care and reproductive-related services. If the Senate's Better Care Reconciliation Act passes it will mean tax cuts for the rich at the expense of those that are most vulnerable.

— Susan Fried

Anchorage