[Nfbmo] FW: Democrats file bill to expand Medicaid

[McMahon, Cory J]

Dear all,

FYI.

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

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Wenona Anderson
Subject: Democrats file bill to expand Medicaid

Jefferson City News Tribune
Democrats file bill to expand Medicaid
By Olivia Ingle
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Rep. Jake Hummel, D-St. Louis, says a Medicaid expansion bill he filed
Monday will create jobs, economic growth and help rural hospitals, as well
as extend health care access to as many as 300,000 Missourians.

The legislation, House Bill 627, would expand eligibility requirements to
138 percent of the federal poverty level, providing an $8.2 billion
investment to the state. It would also create 24,000 new jobs and provide an
additional $9.6 billion in economic activity in Missouri by 2020, according
to a University of Missouri School of Medicine study, commissioned by the
Missouri Hospital Association.

Without Medicaid expansion, Hummel said, 5,000 Missouri jobs would be
eliminated.

"House Democrats choose the option of job creation, economic growth and
thriving rural hospitals," he said. "And, really, that should be the only
option being discussed."

Kerry Noble, CEO of Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti, said the expansion
would allow the hospital to improve its services, upgrade equipment and
facilities, and increase patients' access to care.

Without expansion, Noble said, it could be

difficult for the hospital to survive financially. The hospital is the
second largest employer in Pemiscot County, employing 550 people on a
$20 million payroll.

"If we lose that hospital, not only would it be difficult for patients to
access medical care, it would be traumatic to the Bootheel region
economically," Noble said.

Rev. Dr. John Bennett with Missouri Faith Voices, said the organization is
enthusiastically in support of Medicaid expansion.

"It would have a transforming impact on more than 100,000 uninsured
children, because expanding health coverage to cover parents makes it more
likely that babies will receive health care," he said. "The clergy believes
this bill and other efforts are absolutely necessary to most faithfully
serve God of justice."

Hummel said he realizes Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, is set to
introduce Medicaid transformation legislation within the next few weeks. He
said the House Minority Caucus is willing to work with House Republicans on
Medicaid legislation.

While Barnes has not yet released specifics on his bill, he said the General
Assembly will not be expanding Medicaid as envisioned under ObamaCare.

"For both recipients and taxpayers, Missouri Medicaid is in drastic need of
a transformation to make it the most market-based Medicaid system in our
entire country, and indeed, in the history of the federal program," Barnes
said.

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