Ledbetter Talks Medicaid Expansion for Next Legislative Session

 

Last Thursday, Speaker of the Alabama House Nathaniel Ledbetter listed the topics he expected to be before that governing body during the Spring session. One topic was Medicaid expansion which he said "scares" a lot of people. We take that to mean he's not supporting it.

Let's look at some facts about this proposed expansion:

1. How many more Alabama citizens would be eligible for Medicaid under this program? Approximately 204,000.

2. How much would the state pay toward this expansion? For the first two years, the federal government would pay 95% of the costs. After that, the federal government would pay 90%. The State would pay the balance.

3. Which states have already adopted this expansion? 40 states and the District of Columbia have adopted expanded Medicaid, with Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida so far opting out.

4. What is the income level for the expanded program? Currently, anyone at or below the poverty line not receiving other health coverage qualifies. In expanded Medicaid, that level will be 138% of the poverty line:

When we return to the subject of Medicaid expansion, we'll address pros and cons. We welcome questions.

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