Expanded Medicaid under the ACA and why it matters, according to my PCP

I just got back from an appointment with my primary-care doctor, a very nice young man and an excellent physician-- the sort of person who should become a physician. Any way ...

After my exam, etc., he recommended that I have coronary angiogram. When I remarked that I thought it was fantastic that I'm now covered by Medicaid and could have the test without bankrupting myself, he stopped, looked thoughtful and asked me, "I don't know your politics, but could I say something about expanded Medicaid, without offending you"? I said that of course it would be OK, and here's what he said (paraphrasing):

"The expansion of Medicaid coverage to adults who previously didn't qualify for it has been one of the most positive developments I've seen since I became a physician. Since the expansion last year, our clinic has seen our patient load double. We are seeing adults who have not seen a physician for routine, preventative care and treatment of undiagnosed, chronic health problems in years, some times even decades. I am able to diagnose and treat hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and a host of other medical issues that had previously gone undiagnosed and untreated, not only helping to extend those patients' lives, but also improving the quality of their lives. I sincerely hope that those fools in Washington and Springfield don't try to repeal it, because that would be as unconscionable as it would be foolish and counter-productive! Sermon over."

Don't believe the MSM, particularly talk radio or those idiots over at Faux Nooz, when they tell you that 'physicians oppose the ACA', because it's just not so. Oh sure, some may oppose it, but I'll wager that more physicians feel like my PCP does, rather than being opposed to it. For all of the ACA's faults, and it does have some, it's been a godsend, especially to poor people living in states that did expand Medicaid. I know, because I'm one of them.