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Indiana Democrats to seek Medicaid expansion

February 8, 2013

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Government, Government & Economic Development, Government Health Care, Health Care & Insurance, Health Care & Life Sciences, Insurance, Medicaid, State Government

Democratic leaders in the Indiana General Assembly are seeking expanded Medicaid coverage with the argument that it will lower health care costs statewide.

House Minority Leader Scott Pelath and Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane said Friday that Indiana risks becoming an "island of the uninsured" as other Republican-led states approve the federal expansion.

Gov. Mike Pence, a Republican, announced this week he will oppose an expansion unless the state's health savings accounts plan is approved as an alternative.

Opponents of the Medicaid expansion have said it would cost the state too much money. An actuary hired by former Gov. Mitch Daniels determined the expansion would cost $95 million next year and jump to $525 million by 2020.

Democrats say that analysis ignores cost savings as residents stop relying on emergency-room care.

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not a new cost

JoeAccountingFebruary 11, 2013 9:53 AM
The "cost" to the State is not a new cost. Uninsured Hoosiers are getting care today at hospitals and providers and not paying for it, so the cost is passed to insureds and employers. Or they are NOT getting care early, and eventually racking up a expensive health care bill. What is the cost of those people declaring medical bankruptcy? If Indiana does not expand Medicaid, what is the alternative for our fellow citizens? Continue to use the ER after the problem becomes cost prohibited. If every person against expansion would examine their own personal life and how much better they are because they have insurance, this would not be an issue. Why are you against this? Because you have a job that offers insurance? Ha, what happens when that goes away? If ever the phrase "But there for the grace of God, go I" applies in a situation, it is this one. Except for giving the Dems a "victory" tell me one good reason why not? It's too costly to pass up! Not too costly to do.

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Wow- big numbers

A Hoosier TaxpayerFebruary 8, 2013 1:17 PM
There are all these "scare tactics" that the Republicans use to fend off the expense of making health care available to a larger group of citizens. It's sad that these cheap shots get publicity and the facts what are the costs/ what are the benefits get lost in all the carping and moaning about spending tax dollars that might benefit the middle class. The Fed is paying for the expansion of Medicare-- but Hoosier Repubs won't allow that cause they might have to give some credit to the Democrats who passed a health care bill that many from both parties have tried to do for decades. It would be commendable if some facts (not just the skewed, partisan ones) would be put before the public to see what is the best course-- and stop the scare tactics. It sounds like this new Governor reports to Wellpoint, not the citizens of Indiana.

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