Medicaid Expansion ... Good For Children, Their Parents, And Clinicians

Date: Apr-22-2013JAMA Pediatrics Viewpoint Highlights

In a Viewpoint, Aaron E. Carroll, M.D., M.S., of the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, and Austin B. Frakt, Ph.D., of the Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Massachusetts, write: "Public insurance makes a real difference in the health of children. Those who are covered are significantly more likely to have a usual source of care than those who are uninsured, which is strongly associated with better outcomes."

"The Affordable Care Act (ACA) changes Medicaid into a universal program for all people, children and adults alike, in families with incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty line. This is not an insignificant change. About half of the more than 30 million currently uninsured who are expected to get coverage under the ACA will do so through the Medicaid expansion. Many of the people who will get coverage are parents," they continue.

"Although a debate might continue in the political sphere, the evidence is quite clear that expansion of the program has many benefits for states and their low-income residents," the article concludes.

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.