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I am a Methodist pastor and my wife is a medical resident at UAMS here in Little Rock. We both work with countless people who will be affected by the Senate’s health-care bill (the Better Care Reconciliation Act, or BCRA).

One of the missing groups at the legislative negotiating table is people involved in the front lines of health-care delivery, namely doctors-in-training. Residents like my wife treat patients at local public hospitals every single day, and many of these people will be harmed by this disastrous bill. Even more Arkansans will be affected if the government deregulates the insurance market and allows companies to take away essential health benefits.

Regardless of whether someone is on Medicaid or even has insurance offered by an employer, it seems the BCRA will hurt Arkansans in order to give a tax cut to the wealthy.

We’ve tried to contact both Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman, but neither seem to be interested in hosting any town halls to address health care, or even respond with truthful comments. Nevertheless, their staffers always assure me that both “work with Arkansans every single day” (as if that will alleviate worry).

When will they find the time to talk to people who will be affected by this bill?

Health care is an industry affecting every citizen and has a share of over one-sixth of the American economy. Our senators must collaborate with people who know what health care truly means—medical professionals, instead of lobbyists and insurance CEOs.

BILLY McMAHON

Cammack Village