The move by Gov. John Bel Edwards to expand Medicaid coverage in Louisiana has helped more low-income residents get insurance. It has also dramatically reduced racial gaps in health care coverage, according to a new study.
Full Answer
What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Obamacare Medicaid expansion started in July of 2016 as state officials agreed that the cost of the program would be worth the benefits. The Medicaid expansion program is called Healthy Louisiana locally. Learn more about the covered health care services available to Medicaid enrollees within our free in-depth guide
Who is eligible for Medicaid expansion in Louisiana?
The expansion largely affects adults with low incomes. Anyone can fill out the Louisiana Affordable Care Act Medicaid application but not everyone who applies will be eligible for enrollment in the program. Check the income requirements before starting the application to avoid being denied Medicaid insurance.
How many people in Louisiana are enrolled in Medicaid?
According to an analysis by Charles Gaba, Healthy Louisiana enrollment grew by 34% during the pandemic, and overall Medicaid enrollment in Louisiana grew by 15%. As of May 2021, about 1.9 million Louisiana residents were enrolled in Medicaid, amounting to about 40% of the state’s population.
What is the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion?
The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion program was created in an effort to keep more Americans in good health. The ACA Medicaid expansion has been offered to all states in the nation, including Louisiana.
When did Medicaid expansion start in Louisiana?
John Bel Edwards first adopted Medicaid expansion in 2016 as his first official act as governor, making Louisiana the first state in the Deep South to participate. Since then it has provided preventive care as well as life-saving diagnosis and treatment for a multitude of serious diseases.
Is Louisiana an expansion state?
Coverage under the Medicaid expansion became effective January 1, 2014 in all states that have adopted the Medicaid expansion except for the following: Michigan (4/1/2014), New Hampshire (8/15/2014), Pennsylvania (1/1/2015), Indiana (2/1/2015), Alaska (9/1/2015), Montana (1/1/2016), Louisiana (7/1/2016), Virginia (1/1/ ...
Why did states choose to expand Medicaid?
Some states have chosen to leverage Medicaid expansion to raise revenue that allows them to fund other priorities or reduce other taxes. In fact, a recent income tax cut in Arkansas was linked to budget savings created by Medicaid expansion.
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. Throughout the years, extensions of the program have been uncommon, with one of the most notable instances being coverage of disabled individuals under 65.
Can you have Medicaid and Medicare in Louisiana?
Louisiana helps eligible, low-income beneficiaries pay for Medicare with the Medicaid program. Medicaid is a health care program that helps pay for medical services for people who meet specific requirements. You may be eligible depending on your income and assets.
Which states are opposed to Medicaid expansion?
Nonexpansion states include 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Data: Urban Institute's Health Insurance Policy Simulation Model (HIPSM), 2021.
Why did Florida not expand Medicaid?
Florida has set below-average limits for the mandatory coverage groups, and since the state has not accepted federal funding to expand Medicaid, the eligibility rules have not changed with the implementation of the ACA.
Why did NC not expand Medicaid?
North Carolina has an unprecedented opportunity to provide health care to those currently without insurance through Medicaid expansion. The NC General Assembly has rejected federal dollars to expand Medicaid for the last five years, repeatedly choosing politics over the health and well-being of North Carolinians.
Which state is best for Medicaid?
Top 5 states on Medicaid eligibility, spending and qualityMassachusetts.Minnesota.California.Vermont.Rhode Island.
Is Medicare age being lowered to 60?
More than 125 House lawmakers introduced legislation Friday that lowers the Medicare eligibility age to 60 from 65. The Improving Medicare Coverage Act — led by Reps.
What are the proposed Medicare changes?
The annual Part B deductible will be $233 this year, an increase of $30. For Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalizations, hospice care and some nursing facility and home health services, the inpatient deductible that enrollees must pay for each hospital admission will be $1,556, an increase of $72 over 2021.
Is the Medicare age going to be lowered to 60?
Regardless of the outcome, the eligibility age for Medicare will not change overnight. Lowering the eligibility age is no longer part of the U.S. Government's budget for Fiscal Year 2022. So, the Medicare eligibility age will not see a reduction anytime in the next year.
How to apply for medicaid in Louisiana?
When you complete your application, you can choose your insurance plan. Louisiana Healthcare Connections is a plan for the whole family. There are three ways to apply: Online. By phone at 1-888-342-6207.
Is Medicaid expanding in Louisiana?
This means income requirements changed to give more citizens access to no-cost, high-quality healthcare. If you do not have health insurance, you should check to see if you qualify.
Who signed the Medicaid expansion bill?
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards recently signed controversial Medicaid expansion legislation into law. President Obama visited Louisiana on Thursday in hopes that Medicaid's success there will spur other conservative states to consider the plan.
Who was the first governor of the South to pass the Medicaid expansion?
Edwards is one of the only liberal governors in the South, and the first Deep South governor to pass the Medicaid expansion. Only nineteen states have chosen not to expand Medicaid.
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Did Louisiana accept the Medicaid Expansion?
The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion program was created in an effort to keep more Americans in good health. The ACA Medicaid expansion has been offered to all states in the nation, including Louisiana.