The opportunity for an Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in Alabama occurred in 2012, and it was also provided to the rest of the country. The ACA Medicaid expansion ultimately affected millions of Americans by providing them with Medicaid coverage and services. The Obamacare Medicaid expansion was not a requirement for every state, as each state could choose whether or not to participate. While in the beginning stages, many residents wondered, “What is the expansion of Medicaid?” the quickly began to concern themselves with how their state’s ACA Medicaid expansion decision would affect them and their families. Some states expanded their Medicaid coverage with this opportunity, which meant that applicants could qualify for Medicaid based on income alone in those locations. As long as the gross income for the household was below 133 percent of the federal poverty level, the household would qualify to receive medical assistance. These new Obamacare Medicaid expansion details and more lenient requirements differed greatly from prior necessities for eligibility, which had taken into consideration income as well as other factors, such as disability, family status and more. However, not all states chose to expand their medical assistance coverage. If you are wondering, “What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion and how does it relate to Alabama?” review the sections below for more information.

Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in Alabama

Only 31 states and D.C. opted to participate in the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, and out of those 31 states, Alabama was not included. Alabama officials opted out of the ACA Medicaid expansion, which means that the same eligibility requirements as before apply for Medicaid applicants. Alabama officials decided to overhaul Medicaid rather than participate in the expansion.

While the ACA expansion of Medicaid was heavily considered in Alabama, ultimately, the necessary funding would became an obstacle moving forward. The Obamacare Medicaid expansion requirements ultimately pointed to many more residents receiving Medicaid coverage, given that the coverage requirements would become so lenient. This would become a serious financial burden on the state. As such, it was the ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states that pushed Alabama to opt out.

What does opting out of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mean for Alabama?

Opting out of the Affordable Care Act expansion of Medicaid in Alabama ultimately changed nothing in regards to Medicaid eligibility or Affordable Care Act Medicaid application procedures. Eligibility guidelines in Alabama remain the same, as coverage is still provided to eligible low-income children, pregnant women, parents of minors, senior citizens and people with disabilities. However, because Alabama decided not to participate in the Obamacare ACA Medicaid expansion, if an applicant does not meet all previously established eligibility requirements, he or she will not be able to receive government medical assistance. Only those who meet all eligibility requirements should submit a Medicaid application in Alabama to see if they qualify for health insurance assistance.

Many low-income adults had found flaws in Alabama’s non ACA Medicaid coverage, and they had thus hoped that the state would accept the ACA expansion, as it would mean a better chance for them to receive medical assistance. Had the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion been approved in Alabama, more than 300,000 low-income adults would have been eligible for health insurance with the new eligibility rules.

Will Alabama ever expand its Medicaid program?

It is not certain whether or not the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion will ever be enacted in the state of Alabama, especially since the health care industry has been undergoing many changes since the establishment of the ACA. In the meantime, ACA Medicaid eligibility will remain more lenient for the states that accepted the opportunity, and the ACA Medicaid application can be accessed and submitted in various ways. However, in Alabama, it is crucial that residents only focus on eligibility criteria and application procedures that were established prior to the Affordable Care Act and its expansion of other states’ Medicaid programs.

Note: In the event an applicant is not eligible to receive medical assistance services from the government through the Medicaid program, he or she can still apply for other assistance benefits. Other medical options are available, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which can aid residents of Alabama in their pursuit to obtain affordable health insurance coverage for their children. To learn about other healthcare options, download our free guide.