Re: “Tax the rich? Slash spending? Republicans wrestle with economic priorities in the Trump era” (May 10, Nation):
Can we please stop using the phrase “popular” when describing Medicaid programs? Ice cream is “popular” with Americans, “Star Wars” is “popular” with Americans. People’s lives depend on Medicaid.
Most other developed nations know that health care is a right and ensure their citizens have access; it’s not up for debate. But not America. Both of my parents depended on Medicaid at the end of their lives; for their medical care, prescriptions and eventually nursing home care. None of that would have been possible without Medicaid programs.
Using the word “popular” makes it seem like a trend, not a necessity.
Liz White, Seattle
