Paralyzed GOP Representative Opposes Medicaid Expansion

[kairos12]

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/arkansas-gop-lawmaker-medicaid-expansion

More than a decade ago, Arkansas Rep. Josh Miller (R) was in a catastrophic car accident that broke his neck and left him paralyzed. Medicare and Medicaid paid the $1 million bill for his hospitalization and rehabilitation.

But this week, as the Arkansas legislature has debated continuing its privatized Medicaid expansion under Obamacare, Miller has remained steadfast in his opposition.

The Arkansas Times highlighted the contrast in a Thursday report. The alternative newspaper reported that Miller receives ongoing coverage through the government programs, including Medicaid-covered personal care assistance.

The Times asked Miller, 33, about this apparent contradiction: Shouldn't someone who has experienced the benefits of health insurance, including insurance paid for by the government, understand the importance of expanding those benefits to others?

The difference, he said, is that some of the 100,000 people who have gained coverage through Arkansas's Medicaid expansion don't work hard enough or just want access to the program so they can purchase and abuse prescription drugs.

"My problem is two things," Miller said. "One, we are giving it to able-bodied folks who can work ... and two, how do we pay for it?"

The accident that paralyzed Miller occurred about 11 years ago, the Times reported. He was driving with a friend, alcohol was involved, but Miller said he couldn't remember who was driving. When he arrived at the hospital with his life-changing injuries, he was uninsured.

Miller, who manages a rental property office, took office as a state legislator in 2013.

This guy sums up practically everything I despise about Rethugs. Pull up the ladder after he benefits from a government program and accuses others of irresponsible behavior without evidence, irresponsible conduct that got him injured to start with. This S.O.B. is beyond reprehensible.

[sheshe2]

1. It's the I got mine, "screw you" meme.

[Historic NY]

3. +1

so cut him off.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

2. This is just some of that same Republican, "I got mine, so **** you." nt