|
| West Virginia Medicaid Expansion |
|
Summary:
Current Status of Medicaid Expansion in State:
State will expand Medicaid.
Decision Process:
Regular legislative process
Background:
· Currently:
23% of West Virginia residents are enrolled in Medicaid. 51% of beneficiaries have managed care. West Virginia’s Medicaid program covers up to 300% FPL depending on the specific program. The Bureau for Medical Services under the state Department of Health and Human Services runs the state’s Medicaid program.
· Expansion:
Expansion of Medicaid to 133% FPL would be 37% increase over current enrollment.
· Process:
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has said that West Virginia worked with its federal delegation to determine the best course for the state. The decision to expand Medicaid came after a long process of dialogue with DHHS and financial analysis.
State Activity
· Extensive outreach and stakeholder engagement have been done for the exchange, but the expansion has received far less attention.
· Governor Tomblin has said that more information is need, especially concerning the long term sustainability of the expansion. He sought more information from HHS in a letter to Secretary Sebelius.
- The West Virginia Catholic Diocese has called on the governor to approve the Medicaid expansion for the sake of the health and wellbeing of low-income West Virginians.
· The state has offered periodic updates on the state government website.
|
|
|
|
|