Medicaid Expansion Moves Forward

With the federal government funding the expansion 100% for the first two years, and 90% after that, under the Affordable Care Act, it seems silly not to expand Medicaid to half a million people in the state of Michigan. Implementation eliminate the coverage gap for these half million working Michigan residents who were intended to be covered under health care reform but who earn too much to currently qualify for Medicaid and not enough to get tax credits to buy coverage in the new health insurance marketplace.

Expanding Medicaid would cut the uninsured population in Michigan in half. Preventive services and primary care will be available to more people, reducing care costs and emergency room visits. The overall health of the state will improve, thereby further reducing costs for the state.

We're still not there though. This bill still has to get through the Senate. Sign the petition to let your legislators know this issue is important to you. 

Tell Your Legislator to Accept the Funds and Expand Medicaid in Michigan

Here's the final facts breakdown: 

• Approximately 1.1 million people living in Michigan are uninsured.
• Expanding Medicaid will result in health care coverage for at least 450,000 low‐income parents and nondisabled, childless adults who currently do not qualify for coverage.
• Michigan could save up to $200 million in state spending per year.
• From 2014 through 2016, providing Medicaid coverage to low-income Michigan residents is paid entirely with federal funds, resulting in at least $200 million per year in savings for Michigan.
• Federal funds will always cover at least 90 percent of Medicaid costs.
• Estimated 10‐year state savings totals $1.1 billion, while estimated new federal revenue to the state totals $20.5 billion.
• In 2017, “saved” state funds can be redirected and effectively used to match Medicaid federal funds while providing comprehensive health care services to the newly eligible population.

 Learn more about the passage of this legislation.