Expressing support for States to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to close the Medicaid coverage gap.
Impact
The resolution posits that by closing the Medicaid coverage gap, states could decrease the national uninsured rate by almost 10%, potentially resulting in approximately $5 billion in revenue for state and local governments. Furthermore, the economic implications of this expansion could lead to improved financial margins for hospitals, particularly in rural regions that have been severely impacted by closures over the past decade. Moreover, it notes that states which have expanded Medicaid reported a significant decrease in hospital closures compared to those that have not.
Summary
HR122 is a resolution expressing support for states to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act with the aim of closing the Medicaid coverage gap. This gap currently affects over 2.2 million low-income, uninsured adults who are unable to access necessary healthcare services. The resolution emphasizes the responsibility of Congress to ensure high-quality healthcare is accessible to all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status, and highlights the disproportionate impact that the lack of Medicaid expansion has on communities of color.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, the resolution may be contentious among policymakers. Some states currently resisting Medicaid expansion argue about budgetary constraints and the long-term financial implications of such programs. Additionally, there is a philosophical divide where some policymakers believe in reducing government's role in healthcare. Advocates of the resolution, however, argue that not only does Medicaid expansion save lives by providing critical health services to those in need, but it also strengthens local economies through increased healthcare spending and stability.
Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to expand the application of Medicaid State programs to monitor antipsychotic medications to all Medicaid beneficiaries.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should support the expansion of domestic nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technology as a viable source of power in order to promote United States nuclear energy leadership and global energy independence.
To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act; And To Update Language And Definitions To Reflect Changes Within The Healthcare System;.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.