Is Missouri going to expand Medicaid?

Missouri Medicaid, called MO HealthNet, has received over 17,000 applications since they began accepting applications for Medicaid expansion coverage in August 2021. MO HealthNet’s expansion will put comprehensive health coverage within reach for more than 275,000 additional Missourians.

What is the Medicaid expansion decision?

A provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) called for the expansion of Medicaid eligibility in order to cover more low-income Americans. Under the expansion, Medicaid eligibility would be extended to adults up to age 64 with incomes up to 138\% of the federal poverty level (133\% plus a 5\% income disregard).

How did Missouri expand Medicaid?

Missouri was required to expand Medicaid after voters approved it in August 2020 by a vote of 53\% to 47\% — becoming the sixth state to accept the Affordable Care Act provision at the ballot box.

Why Medicaid expansion is a bad idea?

Expansion would change that and provide Medicaid eligibility for anyone under 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Thus, expansion is not a neutral choice; it could actually harm current Medicaid enrollees by further limiting their access to care.

Why do states not expand Medicaid?

Today, twelve states have still not expanded Medicaid. They’re in what’s known as the “coverage gap” — they don’t qualify for Medicaid in their state, and make too little money to be eligible for subsidized health plans on the Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges.

What is Medicare expansion?

Medicare expansion refers to broadening the benefits of the program, as the parts in which beneficiaries enroll through the government provide limited coverage. These plans cover the coinsurance costs that come with Original Medicare.

What is Medicaid Wikipedia?

Medicaid in the United States is a federal and state program that helps with healthcare costs for some people with limited income and resources. In general, Medicaid recipients must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens, and may include low-income adults, their children, and people with certain disabilities.

Why was Medicaid created?

The official Medicaid program, along with its sister program, Medicare, was not actually signed into law until 1965, as part of the Social Security Act. It was originally designed to offer people who were eligible for cash assistance a type of health care coverage, but has since expanded its coverage.

Will Missouri lawmakers fund Medicaid expansion?

Missouri state lawmakers are debating whether to fund an expansion of Medicaid that would bring health coverage to 275,000 more people in the state. The expansion was enshrined in a constitutional amendment approved by voters. It is hard to qualify for Medicaid as an adult in Missouri.

Can the Missouri State Legislature change HealthNet eligibility?

James Layton, a former solicitor general for Missouri, points to more trouble the legislature could run into with the Missouri Constitution. The ballot measure was a constitutional amendment, Layton explains. “The legislature can’t actually change eligibility for MO HealthNet in an appropriations bill,” Layton says.

Does Medicaid expansion help or hurt the budget?

A large body of research has found a range of budget benefits associated with Medicaid expansion and that opponents’ predictions that paying for expansion comes at a cost for other priorities (such as education or transportation) have not happened in other states.

How much will the American rescue plan Act cost Missouri?

Additionally, the American Rescue Plan Act, which President Biden signed into law last month, compels the federal government to pitch in an extra 5\% of costs for new expansion states. In Missouri, that could amount to $1 billion over the next two years, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.