The GOP health care proposal reduces the amounts Idahoans can deduct for insurance to between $1,500 and $3,000 per year, too little for even a bare bones policy. And since health insurance costs more in rural areas, the GOP plan hits Idahoans especially hard. We would be unable to afford coverage.

This means that hospitals, clinics and providers will treat more uninsured people for free. The losses, which could amount to billions of dollars, will prompt a price rise for those of us who have conventional health insurance.

A March 2017 congressional report shows that if Obamacare is repealed, 47,200 residents of our district stand to lose coverage. Repeal would place an additional 430,400 of us who have employer-sponsored health insurance at risk of losing protections against lifetime limits, unfair policy cancellation and coverage of preexisting conditions. These are whopping numbers and frightening prospects.

The GOP must know that their plan is flawed. But a spokeswoman for Congressman Labrador would only say that Congressman Labrador opposes the plan because it does not satisfactorily address cost containment. Congressman Labrador must commit to adequately funding a plan that would provide all Idahoans access to quality health insurance?

While the GOP fights for tax breaks for the rich, Idahoans are in a fight for peoples’ lives. With that in mind, Idahoans should tell Representative Labrador and Senators Risch and Crapo to oppose the GOP plan to repeal and replace Obamacare.

EVAN KOCH

Spirit Lake