March 17 Advocacy Update: Medicaid Expansion.
Associate Pastor Heather Mustain led the Christian Advocacy Committee’s final Wednesday Advocacy Update on March 17. Those gathered on Zoom viewed a presentation created by Texas Senator Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, on the benefits of Medicaid expansion in Texas. The following points were gleaned from Johnson and other sources:
Facts:
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- One out of every five Texans is uninsured.
- Of those uninsured in Texas, 75% live in a household where at least one person is gainfully employed.
- Since the passing of the Affordable Care Act and the expansion opportunity, Texas has left close to $80 billion dollars on the table.
- Thirty-eight other states have expanded Medicaid. Because Texans pay federal taxes, we are already paying for the program but are not reaping the benefits.
- It is a jointly funded program (90% federal, 10% state).
If we expand:
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- We will recover the costs incurred through both savings and revenue.
- It will reduce emergency room visits and help our hospital systems.
- It will boost our economy.
- Two-thirds of Texans support expansion.
Advocacy action items:
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- Follow SB 117 and SB 118. Both were filed by Senator Johnson and have been referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.
- Help dispel myths as you hear them.
- Call or write your representatives to find out their views on Medicaid expansion and to express your own.
Visit Senator Johnson’s website for helpful resources and a short video on Medicaid expansion: https://senatornathanjohnson.com/txmedx.
If you are interested in additional information on Medicaid expansion, let Abbey Adcox know at aadcox@wilshirebc.org.