What Is Going To Happen To Medicaid?

Medicaid provides benefits for 1 in 5 Americans who cannot afford a doctor nor pay for the long-term care services they need. The politicians that voters elect to the White House, Congress and statehouses in November could very well shape how low-income individuals receive health care for decades to come.

The question comes to mind, will Medicaid continue to serve as a medical safety net, as it has for some 55 years? Is it that more states will join the 37 that have chosen  over the past decade to expand the program? Or will some states choose to change direction, using a new White House program that could cap how much will be spent on Medicaid? Will states add eligibility requirements and time limits for receiving Medicaid benefit?

There are four (4) key questions that should be asked of the politicians about Medicaid:

• Do they support or oppose making Medicaid a block grant program?
• Would they work to preserve state' option to expand Medicaid?
• Do they support Medicaid guaranteeing health care services at home?
• Do they promise not cut Medicaid to pay for other government spending?

As these questions show, the future of Medicaid is very much in play in the upcoming elections. As voters we all need to pay close attention to each candidate and be clear of their individual stand on the issue of Medicaid.