Medicaid expansion in five states rests on hotly contested gubernatorial elections
In Maine, which represents a sixth closely-watched race for governor, the question of expansion heads to court.
Healthcare leads the polls as a top concern among voters in the midterm elections.
One major issue for individual states, which could be determined in gubernatorial races, is Medicaid expansion.
Thirty-six states are holding races for governor. Fourteen of these have not expanded Medicaid. Of these, six have hotly contested races which could decide whether numerous residents in the state gain access to Medicaid coverage, according to a recent Avalere report.
Another three states have ballot initiatives to expand Medicaid, such as the measure that passed in Maine last year which has been stalled by its Republican governor, Paul LePage.
Voters in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah will determine at the polls today whether to broaden Medicaid access. All are considered red states. Montana is voting whether to keep Medicaid expansion.
WHY THIS MATTERS
By covering a larger group of people, many of whom would otherwise be uninsured, Medicaid expansion cuts down on uncompensated care costs for hospitals.
Research has also shown that it reduces emergency department visits.
THE TREND
Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
If voters in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah decide to expand Medicaid, another 325,000 people would gain health coverage, according to the Avalere report.
Should Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, South Dakota and Wisconsin be won by a Democratic candidate for governor, another 2.4 million people could be added to the rolls of Medicaid coverage, according to the report.
Oral arguments in the case of Maine's Medicaid expansion are scheduled to be heard Wednesday, according to the Portland Press Herald.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
