Despite the local government’s pleas, Missourians approved to expand Medicaid under the ACA (Affordable Care Act), with 53% of the state’s population supporting the program, which means that individuals between the ages of 19 and 65 who earn 138% and below the federal poverty level get benefits.
Currently, the Medicaid program that Missouri has is not beneficial for most childless adults. It also has the lowest income eligibility threshold for parents. However, the expansion allows the 2010 federal health care law to take place when it comes to income eligibility. This law, signed by former President Barack Obama, allows a larger fund for states that approve of the Medicaid expansion.
Due to the continuous increase in coronavirus-related cases, many are leaning towards Medicaid expansion. According to Eric Fey, St. Louis County’s election officer, concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak appears to have influenced a lot of people’s decisions. It may have also led to numerous no-shows among poll workers in certain areas, although substitutes were ready to be on call.
Republican Governor Mike Parson is one of the many who openly goes against the Medicaid approval, stating that Missouri cannot afford the expansion. The 9 percent rise in Missouri’s Medicaid enrollment for February and May is one of the largest nationwide. Most of the state’s population acknowledges the fact that approving Medicaid expansion also benefits other campaigns.
According to Jack Cardetti, Missourians have come to see how other states have been using Medicaid to improve their healthcare system. Amid the ailing economy, people need the money now more than ever. Cardetti is the spokesperson for the campaign.
Campaign organizers also mention that voting for the expansion of this program benefits hospitals and other healthcare campaigns because the federal government’s financial support would eventually rise. Explicitly, the government will give 90% of funds compared to the Missouri program that only provides 65% of funds to healthcare.
While Gov. Mike Parson insists that Medicaid expansion will only affect the state’s overall funding, many are still pushing through because of the other states who have undergone expansions. Their healthcare systems improved, and there was a stabilization of rural hospitals with financial problems.
Democrats have even accused the governor of trying to sabotage the approval of Medicaid expansion. Parson moved the voting from November to August because fewer people are likely to vote, giving opponents more time to defeat the program. However, Governor Mike says the decision he made was not politically-inclined.
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