Last week, Missouri residents gathered in Jefferson City to protest for Medicaid Expansion. The protests - covered by the excellent ProgressMo - garnered local and national attention. Days later, the protests are having continued effect as hospitals and local organizations add their voices to the chorus.
http://www.kshb.com/...
KANSAS CITY - A group of hospitals and city representatives are calling for Missouri lawmakers to make healthcare their priority when they return to Jefferson City this week.
They’re calling for lawmakers to consider expanding Medicaid to the nearly 300,000 uninsured in the state.
"About one third of the 112,000 patients in Truman Medical Center are uninsured,” said Gerald Grimaldi, the vice president of health policy and government relations.
Last year, the hospital picked up a $134 million tab for uninsured patients.
“At some point in time, at that level of uncompensated care, it becomes unsustainable long term,” said Grimaldi.
Hospitals quickly pointed out the reality: the lack of medicaid expansion means more patients who have no ability to pay, more default debt, and a greater cost to those who pay -- these are the realities of a failure to expand.
Protestors circled the capital building while legislators stalled and delayed sessions.
The MoMedicaidCoalition, who promoted and helped organize the event had no problem getting numerous Missouri residents onboard with promoting the cause.
For many, the issue is the gap at which you are able to receive insurance of any form.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/...
The effort is being organized by Missouri Faith Voices, Missouri Medicaid Coalition and Missouri Health Care For All, according to Dottie Elbert, Joplin regional organizer for Missouri Health Care for All. She said two van-loads of supporters are going to the Capitol from Joplin.
"We're going to speak up for the people who need it, and we're going to pray for the 300,000 people in this state who are uninsured," she said.
According to the group, the coverage gap exists because a family of three can make no more than $301 per month to qualify for Medicaid under current state levels, but the same family must make $1,650 a month to qualify for discounts under the Affordable Care Act.
You must make less than roughly $100 per person in your household PER MONTH to quality for care.
Hospital Groups continue to lobby in Missouri this week to get a firm date on follow up hearings.