Ten Republican governors have led the effort to accept federal funds and increase health coverage in their states. Now, more than half of U.S. states are accepting federal funds to cover more people. Maine can do the same.

Like Maine Gov. Paul LePage, not all of those Republican governors were initially on board with increasing health coverage in their states through the Affordable Care Act. Unlike Gov. LePage, they weighed the arguments, changed their minds, and led the charge to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is not too late for Gov.LePage and his legislative allies to do the same for Maine.

Republican governors in other states have cited three reasons for accepting federal ACA funds:

Economic competitiveness at stake

Many Republican governors have tied expanding Medicaid to their states’ continued economic competitiveness. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer issued an analysis stating: “Having nearly 1 in 5 Arizonans without health insurance is bad for business … The governor’s plan keeps Arizona economically competitive and prevents a wealth shift to our neighbors — California, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico — that are pursuing expansion.” Gov. Brewer added that accepting the federal funds for Medicaid would inject more than $8 billion into her state’s economy during the first four years, creating jobs in every region of Arizona.

Many of these same arguments hold true for Maine. The Republican state Senate in New Hampshire recently voted to accept federal funds, leaving Maine as the only New England state that has not. That will undermine Maine’s competitiveness with surrounding states, and with Canadian neighbors who have access to their national health care system.

Approximately one in eight Mainers lacks health insurance, and that number will likely grow if Medicaid is not expanded. That will be as “bad for business” in Maine as it is in Arizona.

Also, like Arizona, accepting federal funds would inject close to $1.5 billion into Maine’s economy over the first four years and support as many as 4,400 jobs throughout the state.

Fiscal responsibility part of the equation

Republican governors recognize that they can increase health coverage by accepting federal funds without busting their state budgets. For example, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, an accountant, plans to set aside savings connected with Medicaid expansion to cover future administrative costs.

At least eight states, including Maine, are actually projected to save money as a result of increasing coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Gov. LePage’s resistance to that fact is built on a house of cards. The sooner he realizes the tremendous benefits to Maine — fiscal and otherwise — the better off people in the state will be.

People matter

Republican governors have also cited compassion for their constituents when making the case for accepting federal funds.

When New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez announced her support for Medicaid expansion, she said, “We have an obligation to provide an adequate level of basic health care services for those most in need in our state. However, we also have an obligation to ensure our state’s financial security. In deciding to expand Medicaid, I weighed every possible outcome and impact. Ultimately, this decision comes down to what is best for New Mexicans.” When addressing the New Mexico Legislature on the issue, Gov. Martinez explained, “My job is not to play party politics, but to implement this law in a way that best serves New Mexico.”

Ohio Gov. John Kasich offered a similar perspective. When questioned by reporters during the annual meeting of Republican governors, he became animated on the issue of expanding Medicaid in Ohio: “I always try to put myself in the shoes of somebody else to say: ‘How would I feel if I didn’t have health insurance? Are you kidding me?’”

Tens of thousands of people will go without health insurance if we do not accept federal ACA funds. Many of these people are hardworking Mainers whose incomes don’t enable them to afford health insurance. They are one illness or accident away from financial ruin and a significantly reduced quality of life for themselves and their families. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Ten Republican governors have found a better way. Maine would be best served if Gov. LePage joined them. And if he does not, legislators must override his veto.

Christy Daggett is a policy analyst at the Maine Center for Economic Policy in Augusta.