Utah may unwind voter-approved Medicaid expansion

A voter-approved proposition to expand Medicaid in Utah may be scaled back after state lawmakers approved a Republican bill that would unwind parts of the expansion, according to The Hill.

Advertisement

In November 2018, about 53 percent of Utah voters approved Proposition 3. The proposition aimed to expand Medicaid to residents making up to 138 percent of the poverty line. About 150,000 residents would have gained coverage under the proposition.

In the legislation passed by the House Feb. 8, Medicaid expansion would be drawn back to people who make up to 100 percent of the poverty line, insuring about 50,000 fewer residents. While Republicans argue the state’s most impoverished residents would still have coverage and healthcare costs would be lower, activists are concerned the legislation would curtail healthcare access and supplant voter will.

Under the bill, residents who earn more than the revised rate would be allowed to buy subsidized insurance on the federal exchanges. The legislation also includes work requirements and spending limits. The plan requires a federal waiver, according to The Hill.

More articles on payers:
Payer-provider partnerships and market trends
9 ‘Best in KLAS’ value-based care consultants
Companies like LexisNexis are selling patient ‘risk scores’ to hospitals, insurers

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

When nurses help build the AI, adoption follows: Lessons from 3 health systems

Tuesday, July 28
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Amy McCarthy, DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP, Hippocratic AIBeth Reimschissel, PhD, RN, CNL, Memorial HermannAllison Schlinkert, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Cincinnati Children'sScott Estep, MBOE, BSN, RN, CSSBB, OhioHealth System

Advertisement

Next Up in Public Health

Advertisement

Comments are closed.