In response to the May 5 column by Cathy McMorris Rodgers: “My son has a preexisting condition. He’s one of the reasons I voted.”

It is reassuring to read that Rep. McMorris Rodgers is committed to safeguard against restricting insurance for those with preexisting conditions. While this is one of the most salient concerns stemming from the AHCA, it is not the only concern. More than 50 percent of children in our state receive Medicaid support. The AHCA would cut Medicaid funds to states by $880 billion over 10 years, devastating already-stressed special education programs in schools.

Those who are particularly dependent on Medicaid support are children, who rely on school-based programs to provide essential services like physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and feeding therapy. As a pediatrician and the medical director of a birth-to-3 early intervention program, I can attest to the importance of these services. School-based programs are already stretched beyond what is required to provide adequate services for these children, much less ideal services.

The AHCA will compromise services to children with Down syndrome, autism and other developmental delays that are essential to promote function and well-being.

I urge Rep. McMorris Rodgers to consider the children who cannot afford private essential services, and rely on school districts to keep them from falling through the cracks.

Matt Thompson, MD

Spokane