The Staunton-Augusta County-Waynesboro Chapter of Virginia Organizing will hold a community celebration to mark the passage of Medicaid expansion on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona. State Senator Emmett Hanger, a longtime champion of Medicaid expansion, will join Virginia Organizing leaders for this celebration.
“I’ve been without health insurance and I know what it’s like to worry and debate, ‘Can I afford to see a doctor for this?’ It’s a painful, risky decision that should not have to happen. Many others in our community know this pain, too, and far worse, and I am honored to have fought for Medicaid Expansion with my chapter of Virginia Organizing,” said Ronna Wertman, a leader in the local chapter of Virginia Organizing. “Thousands more people in Virginia will now have the dignity to seek care and treatment when they need it without going further into debt. We all benefit when our neighbors are as healthy as can be. I am also glad our hospital, Augusta Health, has this as one more tool to remain viable in delivering health care to all in our community.”
The event will be part of a statewide week of celebration from July 9-15 to recognize Virginia’s recent decision to expand Medicaid. The week of celebration will include nine events in every corner of the state.
Since 2012, Virginia Organizing and its many partners have worked to expand Medicaid. In June, the Commonwealth adopted a budget that included Medicaid expansion for 400,000 Virginians who fall into the coverage gap.
This celebration will include speakers, information on the new eligibility guidelines for Medicaid, and light refreshments.
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Chris Graham
