Kirk needs to see health-care crisis

At a May 10 meeting of the Wheeling Township Republicans, my congressman, Mark Kirk, spoke about the health care crisis, Medicaid and the uninsured.

Since his statements indicate that he doesn't understand the Medicaid system, I wanted to take the opportunity to educate the Congressman and others who may be unaware.

Congressman Kirk asserted that no one under the poverty line "lacks health care in America". That is false. Medicaid, government-sponsored health care system for the poor, provides health care only for individuals who are disabled, pregnant, or have dependents under the age of 19.

If you are a middle-aged empty-nester who's been out of work, you won't receive health care assistance from the government no matter what your income. If you are a 20-something, 50-something, or legal resident working for minimum wage at a fast food restaurant, you won't receive government assistance for your health care. That is a "categorical denial".

HealthReach, with free medical clinics in Waukegan and Mundelein for the uninsured, had over 12,000 patient visits last year. That number has been increasing steadily for years. Over 60 percent of those individuals are employed or are family members of folks with a job.

Since the Congressman receives full taxpayer-funded health care in his position, perhaps he assumed it was the same for others. I encourage Congressman Kirk to visit a health care clinic and sit down with the staff to get an accurate understanding of the failing health care system so he can help advance the type of legislation we need to fix our system.

Richard Keller, MD

Waukegan