We’re all in this together

From 2005 -2008 I was privileged to serve two rural churches in the most northern part of the Republic of Ireland. I also did some ministerial work as a university chaplain in nearby Derry, Northern Ireland which is a part of Britain. As a result of this work I was eligible for medical coverage in the Republic of Ireland and the medical card I immediately received was good for any EU country. My wife taught ESL courses to Eastern European women who were working on the local mushroom farms. All of us could go to the doctors at the clinic and receive prescriptions at no or very little cost. Because I knew I would be retiring back in the states, I continued my insurance here as well. I basically had triple coverage and must say that I have always received excellent medical care including now here in Gettysburg.

My concern is for those in our country who do not have the luxury of medical attention. Covid-19 has made me starkly aware of the widening gap and lack of that medical safety net for so many other Americans. Due to the pandemic millions have lost their jobs and subsequently many have also lost what limited insurance coverage they may have had. Many who were considered essential workers continued their jobs at increased risks without the option of working from home and sadly some without any medical insurance. Unfortunately, because of that exposure a significant percentage of those workers became infected with Covid-19 often resulting in serious illness with possible long-term effects and even death. There are currently over 170,000 who have passed away.

In the past twenty plus years I have been a proponent of expanding health care for a growing number of Americans through expanded medical coverage that would eventually be available to all persons living and working in our country. In about ten weeks we will all be asked to vote for the candidates of our choice to represent us locally, in Harrisburg and Washington. Even though I have been and will continue to be well served by the medical community, my choice will be for those persons who will not do just what is best for me but what is best for all of my neighbors both near and far. We’re all in this together.

Lynn D. Cairns,
Gettysburg