LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Health care should be affordable to all

Our New Mexico representatives and senators are fighting for the American people while Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., says it is a bridge too far.

There is a proposed continuing resolution on the table to keep the government open past September 30,2025, with no real substance to address the rising cost of health care and the expiring subsidies to keep premiums low for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance plans due to expire in 2025. This would be double whammy on the thousands of New Mexico citizens getting their health insurance through the ACA. Fifteen million people nationwide could lose health insurance provided through Medicaid and other supports, with the recent passing of the One big Beautiful Bill Act, and about 3 million of those getting their insurance through ACA will lose coverage.

These cuts affect access to health care for our seniors, pregnant women, infants and children, our veterans and the homeless populations. Health care is a human right, not a privilege and not a bridge too far, Senator Thune. Health care insurance and access to health care in a vital anti-poverty program. Health care is a basic need; everyone should have access to health care, and it should be affordable to all.

Our New Mexico representatives and senators are asking that the Republicans negotiate on the budget in good faith, that they keep health care premiums low by extending the federal premium subsidies for the 20 million Americans that get their health insurance through the ACA, and reverse the Medicaid cuts that could result in 15 million Americans losing their health care.

I ask all New Mexicans to call and or write your members of Congress and thank them for fighting for the American people and to support a continuing resolution that restores these vital anti-poverty programs.

Valari Taylor

Rio Rancho