This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Re "Governor should go for Medicaid expansion" (Opinion, March 30):

What is there to fear with expanding Medicaid to cover 131,000 low-income Utahns without insurance? Regardless of the governor's decision, Utah will spend $343 million a year for Medicaid. With expansion, the projected annual spending will only increase to $364 million.

The federal government has agreed to provide 100 percent of the additional cost for the first three years, and the federal share will never drop below 90 percent.

Utah taxpayers have already provided the funding that will come from Washington. If we choose not to expand, the funding will be shifted to another state.

Rather than paying for another state's Medicaid reform, it would be wise to invest in the underprivileged citizens of Utah. At the heart of this discussion are the individuals who would benefit from expanding Medicaid.

What message are we sending if we choose to invest in other states' uninsured citizens?

Boo Reiser

Salt Lake City