One of the most confusing aspects of Medicaid is its varied nature. Depending on your state of residence, you might have to approach Medicaid with all kinds of different considerations. One of the most controversial and complex aspects of this is “Medicaid expansion.” While this might be a difficult concept to understand, the most important thing to remember is simple: Some states have expanded Medicaid, while others have not. The impact of this could affect seniors and low-income individuals in various ways. Read on to learn more.
What is Medicaid Expansion, Anyway?
To understand Medicaid expansion, you first have to understand the “eligibility requirements” for this federal program. Different States may determine eligibility in different ways. Some consider multiple factors, including income, the number of people in your family, your disability status, and others. Other states take a simpler approach, and they only consider your income.
The states that only consider your income level when determining eligibility are said to have “expanded Medicaid coverage.” By enforcing fewer eligibility requirements, more people qualify for Medicaid. In other words, Medicaid is expanded to include more people.
If your state has expanded Medicaid coverage, you only need to consider one metric: The federal poverty level. As long as your household income is below 138% of this number, you automatically qualify for Medicaid with no further steps required.
What is the Impact of Medicaid Expansion?
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, expanding Medicaid has had various effects. Statistics show that when states expand Medicaid, adults are more likely to seek insurance coverage. States also see a rise in mental health outcomes and a reduction in opioid overdose deaths. Some studies indicate a reduction in overall depression rates for states that expand Medicaid. Some say that hospitals have become more financially sound in States that have expanded Medicaid.
That being said, Medicaid expansion has its fair share of critics. One study found that in states with expanded Medicaid, low-income women had fewer live births. Other studies suggest that expanded Medicaid may be correlated with poor infant and maternal health.
Some say that Medicaid expansion has forced some Americans off their private insurance policies. These critics claim that if Medicaid expansion spreads to other states, some may have no choice but to go on welfare. They also note that welfare pays less than Medicaid. There is some indication that States that expand Medicaid later could face increased negative effects.
In 2022, Forbes pointed out that providers may be less willing to accept new Medicaid patients compared to privately insured patients. In some states, wait times for Medicaid patients are longer. Forbes also points to a study that found Medicaid patients were 50% more likely to die from throat cancer compared to privately insured patients.
How Does Florida Approach Medicaid Expansion?
Florida is one of the many states that has not expanded Medicaid. This is a hot-button issue for many residents, especially those who want to benefit from increased eligibility seen in other states. Others are wary about the potential negative effects of expansion – particularly residents with private insurance.
So far, Governor DeSantis has been less than enthusiastic about Medicaid expansion. However, he has justified this stance on relatively few occasions. The cost could be considerable. Florida is famous for its high population of seniors, and Medicaid expansion could affect the Sunshine State in ways not seen in other jurisdictions.
The Paragon Health Institute argues that 30% of Florida residents would be on Medicaid, stretching an overwhelmed healthcare system. Taxpayers would reportedly have to pay a $2 billion bill for Medicaid expansion over the following decade, and this may cause the State to raise its taxes or cut other programs in order to compensate.
That being said, many argue that voters in Florida should at least get a chance to decide on Medicaid expansion. There is a growing legal battle to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot, and this could happen sooner than many realize. If Medicaid expansion goes on the ballot, there is a high chance of it being approved in Florida. In every other state, Medicaid expansion has been greenlit after reaching the ballot. People tend to vote for Medicaid expansion if they get a chance.
Currently, seniors may qualify for Medicaid in Florida if their income is below approximately $3,000 per month. They must also have assets below $2,000, and they must need nursing home services.
Can a Medicaid Lawyer Help?
If you are living in Florida or another state that has yet to expand Medicaid, legal assistance may help you qualify. Even if you do not quite meet the requirements for Medicaid, you might be able to adjust your financial affairs slightly and re-apply.
The best strategy depends on your unique circumstances. In some situations, the most appropriate course of action might be to take advantage of the Florida Medicaid home exemption. In other situations, you might want to explore strategies involving your spouse.
It may be easier to qualify for Medicaid than you realize. Alternatively, there may be other sources of financial support to explore. For example, you might pursue compensation for medical treatments under VA benefits if you are a veteran. Lawyers are familiar with these various programs, and they can help you pursue fair compensation based on your unique circumstances.
Contact The Elderly Care Law Firm Today
If you are ready to have a more detailed discussion about Medicaid expansion, why not schedule a consultation with The Elderly Care Law Firm? Our experienced Medicaid attorneys can help you assess your next steps, depending on your state’s approach to Medicaid expansion. If there is one thing you should take away from this article, it is that the best Medicaid strategy in Florida depends entirely on your unique circumstances. Reach out today to discuss these circumstances in more detail – and get started with an action plan.
