Health Care Advocates Call for Medicaid Expansion

Feb 09, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

The Utah Health Policy Project says Representative David Clark's health system reform bill addresses the big questions that need to be answered, including both access and affordability. But Executive Director Judi Hillman says one thing that could save the state money is being overlooked: expanding access to state-funded Medicaid.

"We have low-income parents trying to get off of welfare, and stay off of welfare dependency, and all of the research shows you that their best bet for getting off and staying off of welfare is to have comprehensive, affordable benefits," said Hillman.

Hillman says Utah's Medicaid eligibility is at the bare minimum level, with parents having to earn just over half of the federal poverty line salary or less in order to be eligible. She says some blue states have raised their limit to three times the poverty line.

The organization is encouraged by the legislature trying to expand access to dental and vision coverage within Medicaid. UHPP's Medicaid Policy Director Lincoln Nehring says the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee is working on vision coverage right now.

"The Health Department believes there's sufficient money in their budget to provide eyeglasses within Medicaid, but they just needed permission from the legislature to do it. Yesterday, in the subcommittee, they basically gave the Health Department that permission. I'm optimistic that people will be able to get eye wear very soon," said Nehring.

Nehring says the committee also has dental care ranked high on its list of priorities. To listen to a full conversation about the Utah Health Policy Project's priorities for Utah health care, download Friday's Midday Metro podcast.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW