SPAN OHIO ENDORSES FULL MEDICAID EXPANSION

Ohio lawmakers are currently debating expanding the state’s Medicaid program for those with low incomes, as all states are encouraged but not required to do under the Affordable Care Act. "Unless Ohio enacts the full expansion of Medicaid by 2014, many low income Ohioans will have no health coverage," asserts Debbie Silverstein, state director of Single Payer Action Network (SPAN) Ohio.   "As Americans, we care about each other and we must advocate for policies that promote the public good. Medicaid expansion is critical to that common good."

Silverstein notes, “Many people think that if you are poor enough, you get Medicaid, but that isn't always true. Non-disabled adults without children are generally excluded from Medicaid, no matter how little they make. Many of those eligible for the Medicaid expansion are employed in low paying jobs without health insurance, and their unreimbursed care is a cost driver for everyone. We must expand coverage to those who are eligible under the Affordable Care Act.

Across the globe, only universal coverage systems control health care costs. Absent comprehensive reform, expanding Medicaid will reduce the costs shifted to those who are insured when physicians and hospitals provide unreimbursed care. SPAN Ohio supports comprehensive reform by expanding an improved Medicare to all Americans. Until this is a reality, the full expansion of Medicaid is a moral necessity and we endorse the full expansion of Medicaid to 138% of the federal poverty level allowed under the Affordable Care Act.”

Silverstein adds “There is no doubt that Medicaid saves lives. States that have expanded Medicaid have a seen a 6% decrease in death rates. It is easy to dismiss those who die nameless and faceless, but they are someone's son or daughter, mother or father. Every 1000 uninsured Ohioans results in a death due to lack of care. Across America, every year, deaths from lack of insurance exceed all the American deaths in the Vietnam War. This is morally unacceptable."

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