Op-Ed: It’s time to the close the health care coverage gap—our workforce depends on it
By Mayor Sheldon A. Day, City of Thomasville, Alabama for Alabama Daily News
In serving the people of Thomasville and advocating for rural communities around the state, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles our state’s communities face due to the lack of access to affordable health care. The issue of the coverage gap, where hardworking individuals fall into the void between Medicaid eligibility and affordable private insurance, is one that demands urgent attention from our state lawmakers.
In Alabama, more than half of 300,000 people in the health care coverage gap are gainfully employed. In fact, many people lose or leave their jobs because they can’t stay well enough to work. At a time when workforce participation is low, we have got to find a way to close the coverage gap. It’s not merely a matter of compassion; it’s a matter of economic necessity.
It’s essential to understand that the majority of Alabamians caught in the coverage gap are hardworking individuals, often working multiple jobs to make ends meet. These folks are the backbone of our state’s economy—farmers, service industry workers, small business owners—who, despite their contributions, are left without adequate health care coverage. It’s a stark reality that must be addressed with urgency and empathy.
Moreover, the crisis of rural hospitals closing at an alarming rate cannot be ignored. These hospitals serve as lifelines for our communities, providing essential care to residents who might otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. However, without proper funding and support, many of these hospitals are teetering on the brink of closure. Closing the coverage gap is not just about providing health care to individuals; it’s about ensuring the survival of our rural health care infrastructure.
Expanding health coverage would not only save lives but also bring a tremendous economic impact to our state. Studies have consistently shown that states that have expanded health coverage have experienced significant economic growth, job creation and increased revenue. My own experience is that many industrial recruits place access to quality health care among their top considerations when locating and expanding their business. By closing the coverage gap, we can create jobs, stimulate local economies and strengthen our health care infrastructure. It’s a win-win proposition that Alabama cannot afford to overlook.
Furthermore, closing the coverage gap is a fiscally responsible decision. Currently, uninsured individuals often resort to costly emergency room visits for routine medical needs, driving up health care costs for everyone. By providing these individuals with access to preventive care and regular check-ups, we can reduce the burden on our health care system and lower costs for taxpayers in the long run. It’s a common-sense solution that benefits everyone.
Closing Alabama’s coverage gap is not just a moral imperative; it’s a pragmatic strategy to increase workforce participation, boost our state economy and reinforce critical health care infrastructure. Contrary to popular belief, it’s a matter of living out our conservative values. I urge our state lawmakers to prioritize this issue and find an Alabama solution to the coverage gap. It’s time to come together to do what’s right for our state’s residents and our economy. The health and well-being of our communities depend on it. Let’s not delay any longer; let’s close the coverage gap and build a healthier, more prosperous Alabama for all.
Sheldon Day is in his seventh term as mayor of Thomasville. He has provided advice to national and international leaders on issues affecting rural communities, including former US presidents George W. Bush, Donald Trump and presidential candidate John McCain. Day co-chaired the Alabama Black Belt Commission under former governors Bob Riley and Robert Bentley. He is active with the Alabama League of Municipalities Board of Directors, the Economic Development Association of Alabama, and other state and national associations. He has worked tirelessly with both Republican and Democratic leaders to improve rural communities both in Alabama and beyond.