Ran in the Tennessean this morning.

Don't let politics derail 'Insure Tennessee'

Re: "Politics could threaten Haslam's 'Insure Tennessee'," Jan. 5.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada says that he has "grave reservations" about Governor Bill Haslam's proposal to expand.

For the 200,000 Tennesseans who lack the means to buy health insurance while knowing that partisan politics may endanger their very lives, I can imagine that they too have grave reservations.

Just for that other kind of grave.

We should assume that Representative Casada's word choice was unintentional, but it does bring in focus that these are not simply words printed on paper.

Action or inaction on this legislation has very real consequences.

Our governor has, after a rather long time considering it, proposed a commonsense approach to implementing a version of Medicaid expansion.

It takes care of our 200,000 friends and neighbors who today chose between food for their families and basic health coverage.

It is past time to do the right thing and expand Medicaid coverage in Tennessee.

Stephen Yeargin

Nashville 37206