With Election Day just around the corner, it is important to be aware of issues on both a local and national scale. This year, there is a concern facing Wyoming that relates to both: proposed Amendment A.
What is ‘Amendment A,’ you might ask? I myself had not heard of it until the election guide came out this past weekend. In short, it is Wyoming’s attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as ‘Obamacare.’
According to the election guide, which was put out by the League of Women Voters of Wyoming, Amendment A will leave healthcare decisions up to all competent adults and allows restrictions to insurance companies.
As a conservative state, many people in Wyoming support repealing the ACA. However, there will be serious repercussions for passing such an amendment to attempt this. Firstly, it is unconstitutional for a state to override federal laws. The ACA was declared constitutional on June 28, 2012, by the U.S. Supreme Court, making it an official act. According to the LMV, the federal government could file a court action against Wyoming if Amendment A is passed. This would be an expensive and time-consuming process, and would not be in the best interest of Wyoming citizens.
Another concern if Amendment A is passed is that insurance companies could still deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions. These individuals could be dropped or excluded with no repercussions to insurance companies. In other words, people with preexisting conditions would see absolutely no benefits from the ACA, which is their constitutional right. Denying a person the necessary treatment for his or her healthcare is wrong; why should only the wealthy have access to healthcare treatment? Thus the ACA- everyone deserves equal healthcare opportunity.
The ACA is a huge step in the right direction for America. With proposed Amendment A, Wyoming is trying to remain stagnant. While there is much controversy over the ACA, it is for the greater good of the country. The ACA offers so many health benefits to people who otherwise would not have access to healthcare. If Wyoming passes Amendment A, the state will be denying its citizens their constitutional rights, which were granted to them upon the Supreme Court’s decision in June.
If Wyoming passes this amendment, the state is limiting the rights of its citizens. It would not be ethical treatment to Wyomingites that citizens of the remaining 49 states have more rights and access to healthcare than us. I do not want my rights limited, nor to feel punished for living in Wyoming. Wyoming is behaving like a whiny child who did not get its way when the Supreme Court voted against its liking. I should feel proud to live in this state, rather than ashamed to live in such a place that refuses to move forward and follow consensus.
