Steve Chapman’s column on Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin’s defense of requiring work of those who get Medicaid in Kentucky was an interesting criticism of the overarching concept, which Chapman claims would be detrimental to the economic and humane health of the state. However, I think he ignored some of the ideas the governor promulgated in his recent interview with Judy Woodruff on PBS NewsHour.
When asked what would be done about those who are able-bodied but unable to obtain a job, the governor said that the state would be providing alternatives to them, such as job training and even acceptance in volunteer activities. He claimed that all people need to feel that they are doing something worthwhile on their own behalves, a position which makes a lot of sense to me. Furthermore, he made it clear that those who are unable to work because of disability, sickness, poor health, or obligations to care for others would not be required to participate in such a work program.
Americans need jobs for which we qualify and training for jobs for which we could qualify. We also need hope and appreciate encouragement. Thus a more complete discussion of Bevin’s ideas would have been helpful. After all, we will find out within a few years whether his ideas work or not, and in the meantime, Medicaid is struggling to stand.
— Jeanine Tobin, Chicago
