Under Expansion Plan, Mich. Enrollment Soared, But Will The Program Continue?
Under Michigan law, the state must obtain a second waiver from the Obama administration by the end of the year or its Medicaid expansion will end next April. In other Medicaid news, the Montana Senate advances a bill that would expand the program and New Mexico lawmakers approved a bill that would help thousands of inmates enroll before they are released.
The Associated Press:
Medicaid Expansion Enrollment Soars, Waiver Hurdle Remains
More than 600,000 low-income adults have signed up for Medicaid a year after Michigan expanded the insurance program under the federal health care law. Now Gov. Rick Snyder's administration is working to ensure the Healthy Michigan program continues. Michigan law requires the state to get a second waiver from the Obama administration by year's end or the Medicaid expansion will end next April. Under the waiver, adults who have been enrolled for four years would have to buy private insurance through a health exchange or pay more toward their care. (3/28)
The Missoulian:
Bipartisan Majority Of Montana Senators Backs Medicaid Expansion Bill
The bill expanding Medicaid to bring government-financed health coverage to an estimated 45,000 low-income Montanans advanced Friday in the state Senate, as a bipartisan majority endorsed it on a 28-22 vote. ... Seven Republicans joined all 21 Senate Democrats in supporting the bill. (Dennison, 3/27)
Albuquerque Journal:
Inmates Could Enroll In Medicaid Under Bill
[New Mexico] lawmakers approved a bill in the final days of the session that, if signed by Gov. Susana Martinez, would help thousands of inmates enroll in Medicaid and make them eligible for services upon release, officials said. The measure would allow inmates to apply for Medicaid coverage during their incarceration and directs the state Human Services Department to create a process to help inmates enroll. The agency currently does not accept Medicaid applications from inmates. (Uyttebrouck, 3/30)
