The federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) presented our state with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand access to quality and affordable health care.
One of the most important provisions of the ACA is the expansion of the Medicaid program. When the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ACA, they did so with the provision that state legislatures choose to accept the federal funding for Medicaid Expansion.
One of the 2013 legislative session’s major accomplishments was opting-in to Medicaid Expansion. For the first time, those making less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for health care coverage. These working families had previously slipped through the cracks, unable to afford rising premiums even with subsidies.
Since October 1, 2013, nearly one million Washingtonians have enrolled in new or continuing coverage. Every single county in the state, from San Juan to Skamania, has exceeded its Medicaid enrollment goals.
This bump in enrollment benefits us all. Washingtonians with health coverage pay about $1 billion/year in higher premiums to cover the costs of the uninsured showing up in emergency rooms – the most expensive place to receive care.
If you or someone you know may be eligible for Medicaid, or if you’re interested in learning more about low-cost insurance options, visit www.wahealthplanfinder.org.
