When my neighbor, who operates a small business, had a stroke, the first thing that came to mind as paramedics wheeled him away was, "Does he have health insurance?"

Regardless of what you think about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also called Obama Care, the delivery of healthcare in the U.S. needs a major overhaul. The focus should be on patients and on high value healthcare. That means doing what it takes to get better outcomes, better safety, better service at lower overall costs — a focus on value, not on volume.

WASHINGTON – Arizona could lose more than 9,800 health-care and other jobs next year if a 2 percent cut in Medicare takes effect Jan. 2 as part of the $1.2 trillion federal budget “sequestration,” a new report claims.

Downtown S cottsdale’s greatest challenge may be to develop a unified vision for diverse interests in a city that is known for having its share of squabbles.

Downtown Scottsdale’s greatest challenge may be to develop a unified vision for diverse interests in a city that is known for having its share of squabbles.

Foes of "Obama-care'' spent more than $1.9 million to put Arizona on record in opposition to the federal law.

Sixteen states now have “medical” marijuana laws, but many in these same states are now fighting back.

Arizona's temporary health insurance program for children from low-income families is again accepting new applications for coverage.

The Medicaid Restoration plan put forth by Gov. Brewer is a prudent economic option that helps our state stay competitive while serving those who are most vulnerable. We need a solution that works with us to reinstate coverage for those in need, while remaining fiscally responsible by reigning in the out of control costs of uncompensated care. The Governor’s plan is an excellent solution for Arizonans since it allows our hospitals and providers to continue giving the very best standard and quality of care, while reducing stress on taxpayers and the general fund to pay for the costs of uncompensated care.

Gov. Jan Brewer is rejecting a plea from county attorneys that she order the state health department to stop issuing cards for people to legally obtain marijuana for medical reasons and not to license dispensaries to sell the drug.

The fate of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) will be determined within the next few months. We’ll soon know if America will be saddled permanently with an unaffordable, unworkable, unpopular entitlement when we can least afford it.

A University of Arizona physician has taken the first political steps in her bid to do medical marijuana research at state-run schools.

Nancy Pelosi once famously advised some questioners to not bother being too curious about Obamacare, then under discussion. "We have to pass the bill to find out what's in it," she told them.

The state House conservative Republicans now have had a good taste of what it is like to be on the short end of important legislation. Government works best when the two parties compromise. In this case to get the budget and Medicaid expansion passed as Gov. Brewer, House Democrats and smart liberal Republicans wanted. The conservative Republicans in the House and Senate have had the tables turned on them. These same Republicans have for so long in the majority had all things their way. When a few of their own party turn and do the right thing that affects the people of Arizona they cry and complain about it. I am very sure the people of Arizona are very happy to finally see compromise. Through the crying conservatives that did not get their way this time, they got a good taste of their own medicine. Compromise works.

As we mark the second anniversary of President Obama’s new healthcare law, there’s not much to celebrate. Obamacare has already inflicted heavy consequences on the economy, doctors, patients, businesses, and taxpayers — and there’s much more to come. It has yet to even take full effect.

If we can set aside the political wrangling and focus on the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), what becomes obvious is its critically important impact on women’s health.

Regarding Carolyn Short’s commentary on Medical Marijuana (May 23): The writer states that the vote on this issue was a scam to legalize pot and has since “been proved right.” She provides no evidence for this.

Expanding Arizona’s Medicaid program is vital to the wellbeing of children and their parents — our state’s working poor. As Arizona’s leading professional pediatric organization, we strongly urge support for Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal.

Increasing Medicaid expansion to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) provides the unique opportunity for Gov. Brewer and the Republican-led legislature to take positive steps in improving Arizona’s economy. This can be done while taking the moral high ground by reinstating the voter-approved AHCCCS benefits for childless adults. The benefit that our Arizona economy receives from this expansion is very important for our recovery. By investing $1 billion in expanding Medicaid, the return on investment for Arizona is $8 billion. Uncompensated medical and hospital care create a hidden tax on everyone else through an increase to their insurance premiums. It should be noted that there are uninsured adults that have untreated mental illnesses. This is a tragic situation which, as history shows, potentially results in a public-safety catastrophe. Arizona legislators have the opportunity to lead as conservatives by containing costs, cutting the hidden tax that is placed on insurance premiums to cover the uninsured and making an investment that brings $8 billion into Arizona’s economy.

Medicare open enrollment ends next week. Valley seniors have until Dec. 7 to select a Medicare Advantage plan. Seniors can go online to medicare.gov to compare plans and get answers to frequently asked questions. Seniors can enter the medications they're taking to help find a plan that fits, as well.

Without comment the Senate on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to legislation to ban the possession and use of medical marijuana on college and university campuses.

As an individual with multiple sclerosis and a support group leader in the East Valley, I know how devastating the past few years have been for some of my friends and group members. I have seen people who have had to stop using their medication when their Medicaid was cut. When confronted with feeding their families or their medication, they had been forced to choose their families. One of my medications, the one that slows down the progression of the disease, is $4,324.09 per month. If my insurance company would not pay for it anymore, I would be forced to discontinue using the medication that allows me to live a normal life. It is a horrible choice to make. Please join me in encouraging the governor to expand the current Medicaid program. In a state that is as great as Arizona, we should not force our citizens to make choices like this one.

It should it not be of any surprise that our racist elected officials in this state would be doing anything differently in raising the “birther issue” once again. We must all remember that Arizona was the last state in the union to approve MLK Day as a legal holiday.

Medicaid expansion needed