SALTER: Medicaid expansion or not, health costs will be paid
While the battle continues between state Republicans and other fiscal conservatives intent on focusing on the long-terms costs of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act and Democrats, health care advocates and state hospitals intent on focusing on the short-term benefits, the fact remains that one way or another, the costs of providing health care for the poor, the blind, the aged and the disabled will be paid by the taxpayers one way or another.
A Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning economic brief by state economist Bob Neal last year made the nuts-and-bolts of the Medicaid expansion question clear: “The results in each scenario indicate that Medicaid expansion will generate additional state Medicaid costs in years 2017-2025. From 2014-2020, cumulative state costs of Medicaid expansion, minus additions to state General Fund revenue, are projected to range from $109 million to $98 million. From 2014-2025, total state costs of Medicaid expansion, minus additions to state General Fund revenue, are projected to range from $556 million to $497 million.
“Increased access to health care could enhance the overall health of Mississippi’s residents. In the long-term, a healthier workforce should result in a more productive workforce, leading to a healthier, more robust economy. Estimating these possible long-term economic improvements is beyond the scope of this study. In the long run (30 to 40 years) the benefits of Medicaid expansion might outweigh the costs. Paying for it in the years ahead might be a challenge,” Neal concluded.
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
3/21/13
Magnolia Tribune
