The effort to extend health coverage to low-income Louisianans does not end with today’s disappointing vote in the House, or yesterday’s setback in the Senate. The Legislature’s decision doesn’t change the fact that too many of our hard-working fellow citizens do not have access to basic health security.
Taking advantage of this coverage opportunity would have saved money in the budget and spurred economic growth by creating a healthier, more productive workforce. Most importantly, it would have saved lives. It’s sad that these facts sometimes got lost in this debate, but there is still time for the administration to have a change of heart.