![Sheila Hogan: Health care debacle affects all Montanans](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/37/c37fc010-985e-11ee-bddf-8bb4eeb3401e/65776866e44a1.image.jpg?resize=300%2C450)
Earlier this week, medical professionals and hard-working Montanans assembled in the Montana State Capitol to speak on behalf of the tens of thousands of Montanans, including children, Native Americans, and seniors who lost their health care coverage due to Gianforte’s administrative failures and red tape imposed under his administration. What was Gianforte’s callous, out-of-touch response? That his health care failures were “ .” It’s clear that Gianforte has no respect for the people he represents, discounting the stories of families struggling across the state and medical providers going into the red because they continue to provide care to sick children and seniors. This is what Gianforte might call “bad business.” When Gianforte tells reporters these stories from Montanans are “anecdotal” and are “ ,” he is dismissing the struggle of the families with working parents who have children with disabilities, who lost their coverage suddenly, and who are terrified they won’t be able to make ends meet. Gianforte is turning a cold shoulder to disabled veterans, newborn babies, moms, and business owners who’ve been waiting for their insurance applications to be processed for months. To the 132,697 folks who lost their health care coverage over the past year, and who make up over 10% of our population, Gianforte is telling his own constituents that their hardships are merely “ .” Gianforte’s health care debacle affects all Montanans. We will all pay for higher premiums and the real threat of rural hospital closures. More than 140 rural hospitals have closed over the last decade or so in America. With another 450 at risk of closure. According to recent data from Montana State, 25% of Montana’s 55 rural hospitals are at risk of closing or converting in the next two years. Why? Financial instability, impacted by uncompensated care and smaller populations. Gianforte’s Medicaid purge, along with the legislative decision to continue Medicaid expansion in 2024, will determine whether you, your
Friends and family in our small towns get emergency care or can even afford medications. Gianforte, do better for all Montanans. Our health depends on it.