A new report shows Medicaid expansion in Kentucky would continue to save the state money were it to remain in its current form.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released the report Tuesday. It examines the financial effects of Medicaid expansion in 11 states and the District of Columbia.
Overall, the report found state spending in Medicaid expansion states grew by half as much as spending in non-expansion states between 2014 and 2015.
“There are a lot of examples of people whose care can be funded under Medicaid expansion,” said Kathy Hempstead, director of coverage for RWJF. “That’s sort of an easy way for states to save money on people they were providing services to anyway.”
In fiscal year 2014, Kentucky saved $2.4 million on coverage for medically needy enrollees, which accounts for six months of savings, according to the report. In the next fiscal year, the state is expected to save $14 million.
The report comes as Gov. Matt Bevin plans to change the Medicaid program in Kentucky, which his predecessor, former Gov. Steve Beshear, expanded under the Affordable Care Act.
More than 500,000 Kentuckians have gained access to health insurance and Medicaid coverage through Kynect, the state’s health insurance exchange, and the expanded Medicaid program. The vast majority are covered by Medicaid.
A new report shows Medicaid expansion in Kentucky would continue to save the state money were it to remain in its current form.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released the report Tuesday. It examines the financial effects of Medicaid expansion in 11 states and the District of Columbia.
Overall, the report found state spending in Medicaid expansion states grew by half as much as spending in non-expansion states between 2014 and 2015.
“There are a lot of examples of people whose care can be funded under Medicaid expansion,” said Kathy Hempstead, director of coverage for RWJF. “That’s sort of an easy way for states to save money on people they were providing services to anyway.”
In fiscal year 2014, Kentucky saved $2.4 million on coverage for medically needy enrollees, which accounts for six months of savings, according to the report. In the next fiscal year, the state is expected to save $14 million.
The report comes as Gov. Matt Bevin plans to change the Medicaid program in Kentucky, which his predecessor, former Gov. Steve Beshear, expanded under the Affordable Care Act.
More than 500,000 Kentuckians have gained access to health insurance and Medicaid coverage through Kynect, the state’s health insurance exchange, and the expanded Medicaid program. The vast majority are covered by Medicaid.
