Monday, April 22, 2013

Medicaid Expansion Options Community Workgroup to Hold First Meeting




The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) will host the first Medicaid Expansion Options Community Workgroup meeting to explore options related to the potential expansion of the state’s Medicaid program under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).   

The workgroup will be charged with collecting input from the community, identifying and analyzing factors beyond financial considerations, and considering alternatives to full expansion or the status quo.  The workgroup will ultimately provide Gov. Gary R. Herbert with a report detailing a full range of options along with key advantages and disadvantages of each option.



Why:   Under the ACA, states have the option of expanding their Medicaid programs to all adults who earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.  If the state decides to expand, the federal government would cover 100 percent of the costs for the first three years.  After that, states would be required to pay a portion of the related costs.  The state would also incur additional administrative costs associated with any potential expansion.
  
Who:   The workgroup is comprised of business, community and government leaders, legislators, advocates for low-income individuals and families, and other stakeholders from the health care industry.
                       
When:  Tuesday, April 23, 2013
             1:30 p.m.

Where:  Utah State Capitol - Capitol Boardroom
              (East end of Rotunda)

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Media Contact:
Tom Hudachko
(o) 801-538-6232
(m) 801-560-4649