Medicaid expansion is not merely a policy decision: when it happens, millions of Americans who find themselves on the fringes of healthcare access will be finally protected. The importance of this expansion becomes glaringly evident when we consider that over 2 million individuals could be granted the gift of healthcare coverage in 2024 if only 10 more states decided to broaden their eligibility criteria.
Currently, 40 states in the United States have wisely chosen to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, making quality healthcare accessible to a substantial portion of their populations. However, there is a group of sates that are still set to take this important step.
10 US States to Broaden Medicaid to Accept More People
The remaining 10 US states that have yet to take this vital step: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. If these states were to embrace Medicaid expansion, an estimated 2.3 million people would gain access to the healthcare they so desperately need.
The effects of this expansion would be monumental. The national uninsurance rate, a source of ongoing concern, would be significantly reduced, potentially falling below the 25% mark. Medicaid expansion is a beacon of hope for those who currently find themselves without coverage and a vital step towards ensuring a healthier and more secure future for all.
The Affordable Care Act has empowered states to extend Medicaid eligibility to nonelderly individuals with incomes of up to 138% of the federal poverty level. However, those states that have chosen not to expand Medicaid have had to grapple with notably higher uninsured rates in comparison to their expansion counterparts.
The Primary Goals of Medicaid
Medicaid is a government-funded healthcare program in the United States that provides medical and financial assistance to low-income individuals and families. Established in 1965 as part of the Social Security Amendments, Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and administered by the states.
Eligibility for Medicaid is determined based on various factors, including income, family size, and disability status. The program covers a wide range of medical services, such as doctor’s visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and long-term care for the elderly and disabled.
In order to apply for your Medicaid coverage, you must go directly to the official Medicaid website. In this site you’ll also finde where is your local or closest Medicaid provider, where you can also start your application. Visit HealthCare.gov to take a quick screening to help you find out your eligibility for Medicaid.