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I am a local business owner who works 60-plus hours a week. All my hard work still leaves me with an income which is considered well below the poverty level. As an adult in Idaho who is considered head of household for a family of four, I am caught in the healthcare gap. I earn too much to receive Medicaid and too little to approve for healthcare credits.

Though my children have been covered by Medicaid their entire lives, I have only been able to receive Medicaid during my pregnancies. While carrying my third child in 2016, because of my Medicaid coverage, I did not have to think twice about having an ultrasound to ensure the health and safety of my baby. During the ultrasound a tumor was found in my bladder. This is a great example of how important preventative care can be. Thankfully, once again because of my Medicaid coverage, I did not have to think twice about having the tumor removed. The tumor turned out to be stage 3 cancer which was miraculously caught before it was able to cause permanent damage or spread to other organs.

Unfortunately this last spring, after already incurring a large amount of debt for important aftercare, another tumor was found. This time I would be responsible for the entire cost of surgery. This has been a huge burden for my family. Please vote yes to Proposition 2, so that we can close the gap and help people like me in their greatest time of need.

GABRIELLE EASTON

Sandpoint