Iowa stands out for its cruelty to Medicaid recipients
Iowa is harming Medicaid recipients. The federal government gave states the option to allow sick Medicaid recipients one year to remain on Medicaid through 2027 if they declare themselves too sick to work, with verification starting in 2028. Iowa is one of eight states that are not taking that grace period.
That decision reflects many conservatives’ belief that the expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare covered too many people whom they consider unworthy of support, such as non-disabled, working-age adults without children. Democrats and advocates for low-income people say the harsher enforcement will cause many more sick people to join the ranks of the uninsured faster, putting the burden of caring for them on already-strained emergency rooms and public health clinics.
This raises all our healthcare costs. Emergency rooms and health clinics have to pass those lost costs on to everyone else, which in turn raises health insurance costs. This is why so many hospitals and health clinics have closed or are anticipating closing.
This is what happens when you have 10 years of one-party rule. Think about that when you vote this fall.
Cheryl Scherr, Pella
Iowa is kinder to farm animals than ICE to immigrants
Electric-shock gloves are being considered for purchase for ICE officers using $20 million of our taxpayer money.
These gloves can deliver up to 380 volts of electricity and will be used when immigrants are being detained by ICE officers. The proposed contract with Compliant Technologies is expected to be no bid.
This is despicable and inhumane treatment of humans. Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have expressed alarm over its use.
Iowa’s animal-cruelty law regarding restraint and control prohibits intentionally inflicting injury or death on an animal by electric shock. If this is considered inhumane use on an animal, how can we accept this use on humans?
It appears animals and livestock are given better protection than the U.S. government is when treating immigrants. Any proposed purchases should be rescinded We know ICE agents will use electric-shock gloves if made available to them and should never be used.
How have we stooped so low in our country? Call or write your lawmakers today and demand they stop the purchase and use of electric-shock gloves.
Sharon Poplawski, Cedar Rapids
Kratom shouldn’t be sold at gas stations
I am so disappointed and frustrated that our state is still allowing gas stations to sell kratom. This stuff is really hurting and even killing kids and adults. Why do we feel it is OK to legally offer this?
There is growing concern that Kratom is being misused, including by individuals struggling with opioid or heroin addiction. Its availability in everyday retail settings raises serious public health and safety concerns. I find it troubling that a substance with these risks is readily available on store shelves across our state.
I strongly encourage everyone to contact our government officials to review the available information on kratom and take action to restrict or eliminate its sale in Iowa. In the Des Moines area, it is particularly accessible, including in communities already facing higher levels of crime and economic challenges.
Gail Bonnstetter, Waukee
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa stands out for its cruelty to Medicaid recipients | Letters
Reporting by The Register’s readers, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By The Register's readers, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
