I have good reason to think that Governor Robert Bentley doesn’t read what I write in this space. But I probably shouldn’t take offense, since I don’t read his press releases. But a lot of Alabamians will be better off if the governor reads, marks and inwardly digests what I’m about to say.

A couple of months ago I wrote about Gov. Bentley’s (so far) refusal to expand Medicaid in Alabama. I cannot think of a single reason why he would not leap at this opportunity, so I’ll list again the reasons why it’s a win-win deal for Alabama. And then, somebody please slip this column onto the governor’s desk!

Gov. Bentley, your refusal to expand Medicaid probably has to do with the fact that it’s part of Obamacare. I understand that. So far, Obamacare bears a horrid resemblance to the “train wreck” Republicans have always said it would be (and probably hoped it would be). Even if the botched Obamacare website can be fixed, the program is still tangled and convoluted.

But forget about the rest of Obamacare, Governor. If it succeeds in the end, great. If it fails, we can start over and create something better. Lots of other developed countries deliver healthcare to their citizens more effectively, cheaply and simply.

Let’s look at just the one piece of Obamacare that isn’t complicated. That’s the program’s expansion of Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for the poor. Medicaid is a popular program that serves many millions of Americans. Twenty-four states have said yes to expanding it and are now increasing the number of their citizens eligible for Medicaid, while the rest are saying no. So far, Alabama is saying no.

It’s your call, Governor. Here’s why you should say yes to expanded Medicaid:

* Expanding Medicaid will add between $1.2 and $1.5 billion to the Alabama economy.

* Half a million Alabamians who now lack medical insurance will have it. Even if it costs the state a lot of money (which it won’t, see below), that’s a major humanitarian reason to do it.

* Expanding Medicaid will cost Alabama nothing for the first three years because the federal government will pick up the entire tab. After three years, the state will pay 10 percent of the cost.

* Not only that, but state revenue will go up because new jobs — 12,000 of them, economists estimate — will be created in Alabama as additional healthcare workers are hired and begin paying payroll, income and sales taxes. That will enhance Alabama’s chronically underfunded General Fund, so that (1) state services can be expanded, or (2) our overall state tax rate can be reduced.

* Not only will state revenue go up, but state expenses will go down. That’s because those 12,000 previously unemployed Alabamians will no longer be receiving unemployment benefits and food stamps. Moreover, they and their families will be less tempted to commit crimes that put them behind bars, where Alabama taxpayers must pay for their food, shelter and medical care. They’ll be providing these things for themselves.

* That $1.2-to-$1.5 billion I mentioned above actually belongs to us already — so it should come back to us. We paid that money in federal taxes and it’s in Washington right now, waiting to be sent somewhere. The feds want to return it to Alabama. But Governor, if you continue to say no to expanded Medicaid, that money will go to another state. Why should our money provide healthcare to people in California or Massachusetts when it could be helping our neighbors here at home?

The deadline for you to help our citizens to better health and claim Alabama’s share of the new Medicaid money for 2014 is Jan. 1. That’s right around the corner!

So Governor, if someone places this column in front of you, please read it. Or talk to one of your advisors who can do the math. Pray about it if you need to. I think you’re an intelligent and honorable guy and you’ve done some good, far-sighted things for our state. Here’s a chance for you to do something more that’s good for Alabama. This should be a no-brainer.

Gov. Bentley, say yes!

Richard H. Schmidt is a retired Episcopal priest, editor and author who lives in Fairhope. He can be reached at courier@gulfcoastnewspapers.com.