Michigan Lawmaker: Medicaid Expansion Delay Will Cost State Millions

Michigan Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer has criticized Republican legislators for not voting to allow legislation expanding the state's Medicaid program to go into effect earlier, saying it will ultimately cost the state and its citizens $630 million over three months.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed the legislation yesterday to expand Michigan's Medicaid program to cover 470,000 additional state residents under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Although the Senate passed the bill, it fell short of the 26 votes needed to have the legislation take effect immediately. As a result, the expansion won't take effect until 90 days after the current legislative session ends in December.

The Department of Community Health has estimated the delay will cost the state $7 million per day, according to a news release from Sen. Whitmer's office. Additionally, low-income people who would have otherwise had coverage under the expansion will face penalties under the individual mandate for not having health insurance starting on Jan. 1, 2014.

More Articles on Michigan Medicaid:
Gov. Snyder Signs Michigan Medicaid Expansion Bill
Michigan House Gives Final Approval of Medicaid Expansion
Michigan Senate to Debate Medicaid Expansion Timeline