For months, elected officials in Augusta have worked tirelessly to reach a compromise that would add Maine to the list of states that accepts federal funds to expand health care coverage to tens-of-thousands of our low-income family members and neighbors.

The tremendous effort devoted to reaching an accord has involved Democrat leaders, several Republicans, providers, advocates and business leaders.

Unfortunately these efforts have been matched by opposition to expanding coverage by those who are marching in step with Gov. Paul LePage.

Maine stands to gain $700 million in federal tax dollars to expand coverage. These funds are not cash benefits but rather insurance dollars that would be paid directly to the health care facilities and professionals that provide treatment.

Expanding coverage also promises to create health care jobs in rural Maine where working families are desperately in need of new opportunities.

Taking advantage of federal dollars to create new jobs while expanding access to health care makes sense for us all.

Lisa Ryan, DO, Bridgton