Healthcare costs are continuing to rise, and many people find they cannot afford primary care if they do not have insurance. A single visit to the doctor can decimate their budget. If they need intensive care, prescription medications, or diagnostic tests, they may find they cannot afford to receive the care they require. Fortunately, more people today are finding they are eligible for Medicaid.
The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Eligibility
Under the Affordable Care Act, states can expand Medicaid eligibility for many individuals. In many cases, non-elderly adults qualify for this federal insurance program. When this law was enacted, millions of individuals found they were eligible for Medicaid when they previously failed to qualify for the program. Quality Medicaid Care can help them determine if they are eligible.
The American Medical Association believes every person should have adequate health care coverage today. Members of this organization appreciate the changes to Medicaid financing seen under the Affordable Care Act and want these coverage gains to continue, especially for individuals with little or no income.
Why is Healthcare Coverage Essential?
Many people question the importance of healthcare coverage. However, research shows that when individuals have this coverage, they are in better health. Data collected since the Affordable Care Act was implemented shows that the Medicaid expansion under this act has led to improved patient access to healthcare. In addition, it has strengthened the financial stability of Institutions that provide a safety net for the uninsured.
Improvements in health are only one area where this expansion has been beneficial. Work productivity has also increased, and individuals with healthcare under the program report a higher quality of life. No price tag can be put on that. How has this Medicaid expansion been valuable to so many?
Expanded Coverage
More people have insurance coverage thanks to the expansion of the federal insurance program. This coverage spans multiple ethnic, age, racial, and income groups. Researchers have learned that the coverage gains have impacted specific previously underserved and vulnerable groups. These groups include individuals diagnosed with HIV, young adults, and those who take prescription drugs regularly.
Increased Access
Thanks to the expansion of this program, low- and moderate-income adults have increased access to care. They now have a usual source of care. This care has benefited countless individuals because they gained access to opioid use disorder treatment and other treatments that may have previously been out of reach. Medicaid is of help in managing chronic pain and preventing addiction, according to Johns Hopkins researchers.
Better Patient Outcomes
Medicaid expansion has increased preventative services for those who were previously underserved. Why is this important? Preventative care helps catch diseases and disorders early, reducing long-term treatment costs. American Cancer Society researchers report that more individuals are being diagnosed when cancer is most treatable, thanks to improved access to screening services.
Care Disparities
Healthcare disparities are being addressed in those states where Medicaid expansion has been enacted, but in non-expansion states, these disparities continue today. Researchers now believe expanding Medicaid can help mitigate these disparities.
Economic Considerations
Hospitals and states with Medicaid expansion programs are finding that they receive compensation for care at a higher rate. This leads to improved operating margins and better economic stability for hospitals at risk of closing due to patient non-payment. Thanks to the expansion of the program and increased compensation for insured and low-income patients, these facilities aren’t facing substantial shortfalls. Patients also benefit because they won’t have unresolved medical debt affecting their financial futures.
Medicaid expansion has led to numerous benefits. Individuals should learn more about this program and whether they qualify. Anyone who does should take advantage of the federal coverage because it will improve their health and finances while ensuring they get the highest level of care.