Medicaid Expansion To Undocumented Immigrants Pondered
Connecticut legislators consider extending Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants in that state while in Virginia, legal immigrants get coverage. Also, Arkansas' Medicaid expansion is in jeopardy while a ballot initiative is launched in Mississippi.
AP:
Virginia Expands Medicaid Access For Legal Immigrants
Gov. Ralph Northam and state legislators approved a budget last year that eliminated the rule. The change went into effect this month. Northam’s line budget amendment includes $4.4 million in state funds for this change, according to the Virginia Poverty Law Center. Freddy Mejia, a policy analyst at the Commonwealth Institute, said the old rule was a roadblock for legal permanent residents. The Commonwealth Institute is an organization that analyzes the impact of fiscal and economic issues on low-income communities. (Jones, 4/13)
Hartford Courant:
Supporters Of Expanding Medicaid To Undocumented Immigrants In Connecticut Rally At Capitol
Supporters of legislation that would extend Medicaid insurance coverage in Connecticut to undocumented immigrants rallied at the state Capitol Tuesday, calling on lawmakers to pass the measure. Senate Bill 956 advanced out of the legislature’s human services committee on April 1 but supporters say they are concerned about discussion during that meeting where lawmakers supported limiting the coverage to only those under 19. (Blair, 4/13)
AP:
Effort To Keep Arkansas Medicaid Plan Falls Short In House
The effort to keep Arkansas’ Medicaid expansion another year faced uncertainty on Tuesday, with the program falling short of the votes needed for its reauthorization in the state Legislature. The House voted 53-31 for the budget bill for Medicaid and the expansion program, falling short of the 75 votes needed for its reauthorization. Another vote was scheduled Wednesday on the legislation, which has already been approved by the Senate. (4/13)
Daily Leader:
Medicaid Expansion Coming To Mississippi?
A non-profit has filed paperwork to start a ballot initiative to allow Mississippi voters to decide on Medicaid expansion. Dr. Jeffrey Ross thinks that’s a good idea. Chief Medical Officer of King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, Ross said it would be a benefit to both the state government and its citizens. KDMC CEO Alvin Hoover agrees. Hoover explains it as a $10 deal. (Campbell, 4/13)
