expanding Medicaid

Lawmakers get ready to debate loss of federal money vs. Medicaid expansion

Bob Beck — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:28:20 +0000

In early 2013 the state legislature will discuss cutting the state budget. While some say only minimal cuts are needed, others are not so sure. State Senator Tony Ross says the so-called fiscal cliff could add to the loss of federal money the state is already dealing with, starting with the loss of abandoned mine land money last fall.

“As a result of the loss of AML funds or there is even talks that there may be a push to cut back on federal mineral royalties. If they do something like that it effects us here in a very big way.”

Mead still considering Medicaid expansion

Bob Beck — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:20:50 +0000

With the re-election of President Obama, Governor Matt Mead said it is finally clear that the Affordable Care Act will be the law of the land, and the state will need to be prepared by 2014.

Mead plans to have a recommendation to the legislature on whether to expand Medicaid and how to go about it. During a news conference, the governor indicated that the state could realize some savings if went ahead with an expansion.

Gov. Mead considers expanding Medicaid

Bob Beck — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:27:49 +0000

Governor Matt Mead is confronted with the issue of whether or not the state should expand Medicaid services to serve more residents. It’s a proposal that was included in the Affordable Care Act, but this summer the US Supreme Court ruled that states should be allowed to make this decision. The argument for doing it is that it would help bring down long term costs of health care, because those who cannot get or afford insurance would be covered under Medicaid. That should reduce cost shifting. But there is an expense to the state and a recent study commissioned