¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê Care encourages the Governor and the State Legislature to pioneer a fiscally responsible solution unique to ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê. One that provides all ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Êns with access to affordable health insurance — including those living at or below poverty.
The Problem
¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Êns living in poverty — including working adults and students over age 26 — cannot afford health insurance. They forego preventive care, end up in ERs, and place a tremendous financial burden on ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê hospitals.
This cost is shifted to ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê businesses and citizens through higher insurance premiums.
Over the next 10 years ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Êns will pay more than $6.4 billion for national Medicaid expansion— whether we like it or not.
We can opt out of Medicaid expansion, but we can't opt out of paying federal taxes.
The Solution
¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê Care acknowledges
the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is flawed— but the problem of paying for the uninsured is real.
We believe all ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Êns should have access to affordable health insurance—including those living at or below poverty.
Not including ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Êns living at or below 138% of poverty means all ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Êns pay twice— through federal taxes and through cost shifting.
The Bottom Line
We encourage the Governor and the State Legislature
to pioneer a fiscally responsible solution unique to ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê.
What is 138% of Poverty?
For an individual – annual income less than $16,105 For a family of 4 – annual income less than $32,913 For a family of 6 – annual income less than $44,119
The Majority of People Living in Poverty Are
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Childless
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Between ages 18-34
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Women
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Employed
5 Reasons the University of ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê Supports a 138% Solution
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Ensures independence in health care decisions
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Ensures accessibility to health care coverage

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Strengthens the private commercial market

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Maintains employer sponsored coverage
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Limits negative financial impact to the state