6.6 million. That's how many Americans could have basic health insurance but don't because 22 states refuse to expand Medicaid.
A report from the Obama administration trumpeted the fact that, in states that went ahead and expanded Medicaid, there's been a 26 percent increase in individuals covered either by Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act took effect in 2013.
But in states that didn't expand, only 8 percent more have found coverage since the law was implemented. A total of 11 million people now have Medicaid or CHIP coverage who didn't pre-PPACA.
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The Washington, D.C. news source The Hill quoted Vikki Wachino, acting director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, as saying, "These numbers affirm the fact that the Affordable Care Act is working and is truly an important part of the everyday lives of millions of Americans."
But, she added, more states need to get on the Medicaid expansion bandwagon.
"We remain encouraged by interest from governors from all across the country who understand both the economic benefits of Medicaid expansion and the health and financial security it brings to many individuals," she said. "If the remaining 22 states expand Medicaid, an additional 6.6 million individuals would be eligible for Medicaid coverage."
The Hill said 400,000 more people were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP in January than were covered in December.
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Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
