Originally published in the Danville Register and Bee.

To the editor:

By not expanding Medicaid, our General Assembly representatives have turned their backs on women and families in need. Women must stay healthy in order to keep their jobs, provide for their families and care for their children — and Medicaid expansion would help make that possible.

Many jobs — especially lower-paying jobs — don’t provide health benefits. We women tend to have more health needs than men, work very hard jobs and have families to look after, so health coverage is very important.

Sen. Bill Stanley and other members of the General Assembly need to remember that when we women set out to do something, we get things done. And I have set out to see Medicaid expanded in Virginia.

The choice is clear. Stand with women or stand in the way. It’s time for Medicaid expansion. Sen. Stanley, stop standing in the way.

RENEE STONE

Danville