W.VA. Gov To Expand Medicaid Program

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

IGOR BOBIC 11:27 AM EDT, THURSDAY MAY 2, 2013

West Virginia will expand its Medicaid program under President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act to cover the state's relatively large population of low-income residents, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (D) announced Thursday.

"We anticipate expansion will allow us to provide insurance coverage to approximately 91,500 working West Virginians, significantly reducing the number of uninsured," he said in a statement.

"A decision to expand today, however, does not end our efforts," Tomblin added. "We must carefully watch federal efforts. If the program becomes unsustainable, particularly after three years, or the federal government changes its promised funding allocations, we must be prepared to take action to protect our state."

Sixteen states remain undecided on whether to participate in the program, according to the Washington Post

###

Read more: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/wva-gov-to-expand-medicaid-program

---

.

[onehandle]

1. Tyranny! nt

[Rozlee]

2. "...states have commissioned studies

that show the money would be a boon to the local economy."

Therein lies the rub. The ACA would insure 20 million Americans. That would create openings for a lot of jobs. For nurses in clinics, clerks, receptionists, and for office workers. It would require buying equipment like computers, medical and office equipment and supplies and create openings in hospitals for workers in the nursing and other allied health professions (respiratory tech, phlebotomist, etc.). Also for cooks, housekeeping, and maintenance. Schools would spring up with instructors and students to fill in the need for more personnel and restaurants, video stores and other establishments in the local economy would benefit from workers using their new wages. Exactly what the GOP doesn't want.