Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report showing that expanding Medicaid lowers Marketplace premiums by about 7 percent in those states.
“Today’s report identifies yet another group that would gain if all states chose to expand Medicaid: Marketplace consumers, who would see lower premiums,” said Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “These gains are on top of the direct benefits of expansion for millions of Americans who would gain coverage and on top of the economic benefits for states. The Administration remains committed to working with all states to expand coverage and improve the health and financial wellbeing of their citizens.”
It has long been clear that the decision not to expand Medicaid is costly for states. It denies coverage to millions of poor citizens– many of whom are working, and many of whom have serious health needs. It puts many low-income individuals in insurance that is less well tailored to their needs and their budgets than Medicaid coverage. And by rejecting Medicaid expansion, states give up billions in economic benefits.