JEFFERSON CITY - In a cold-hearted political move, Democrat lieutenant governor candidate Sam Page is asking Robin Carnahan to deny Missourians access to affordable health care by blocking rules to allow for the implementation of the Insure Missouri initiative.

“Sam Page is engaged in a cold-hearted political effort to deny tens of thousands of Missourians access to affordable health care through the Insure Missouri program,” said Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party. “It is clear that Page is seeking to derail this plan for political purposes at the expense of those Missouri families that need it most.”

Though Page seems intent on denying health care, one Democrat who initially signed the letter, Curt Dougherty of Independence, had his name removed and the Missouri Republican Party called on Page to do the same.

“It appears that at least one Democrat would prefer to put people ahead of politics on this issue and we call on Sam Page to do the same,” Sloca said.

The political effort to block Insure Missouri is incomprehensible given that the program will help nearly 200,000 Missourians purchase their own personal health insurance. More than 54,000 Missourians will gain immediate access to affordable, high quality care starting next month. Those covered will have incomes below the federal poverty line. Co-payments will be no more than $3 per visit. This summer, access to coverage will move above the federal poverty level. Missourians will make contributions based on income.