What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion in Tennessee? The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in TN is a set of new guidelines related to the national program that is already in place. The ACA Medicaid expansion came via Obamacare, and was designed to cover a broader range of potential recipients. The expansion of Medicaid is an optional set of guidelines which each state may choose to extend to citizens. Understanding the Medicaid expansion makes it easier to know how to move forward with respect to obtaining affordable medical coverage. For instance, the Affordable Care Act Medicaid eligibility requirements now include more potential residents. Under the ACA expansion of Medicaid, income is the main requirement, regardless of age, disability or other previously required conditions. However, since the expansion is optional, states that did not accept the new rules have the same eligibility requirements as prior to the legislation. For those still asking, “What is the expansion of Medicaid?”, find in-depth information by continuing to the below sections.
Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in Tennessee
The coverage introduced by the ACA Medicaid expansion was made available across the country. Nineteen states, including Tennessee, did not choose to accept the new ACA Medicaid expansion guidelines. Medicaid expansion details in TN regarding eligibility and new funding do not apply to states that did not recognize the extended rules. Essentially, what this means is that Tennessee does not offer the chance for Medicaid benefits to low-income adults who do not otherwise meet the other Medicaid qualifications already established by the program.
The ACA expansion of Medicaid in TN makes it possible for low-income individuals or families to get vital medical coverage. However, the program creates further benefits to the state, as a whole. For instance, due to a higher number of patients now receiving care through the ACA Medicaid expansion, there is a need for more health care personnel. Thus, in the states that adopted the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, there has been an increase in jobs within the medical profession.
What does opting out of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mean for Tennessee?
The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in Tennessee did not affect the eligibility requirements that already exist in the state. The expansion of Medicaid was an optional set of rules, and citizens seeking to benefit from Medicaid in TN will face the same rules regarding how to apply for Medicaid, as well as the same review process as before. Additionally, those not previously eligible for Medicaid will likely remain ineligible. The ACA Medicaid expansion featured the goal of extending care to more low-income individuals, specifically to adults who did not meet the other typical requirements. Since Tennessee did not accept the expansion, these residents are still not able to benefit from the program. Medicaid continues to cover such potential recipients as pregnant women, minors, parents of children, the disabled and the elderly. Furthermore, other Medicaid eligibility requirements are still in place as well, such as income, proof of legal status and medical need. Applicants for Medicaid will still need to meet all the eligibility requirements and provide mandatory documentation as supporting proof as determined by state officials. For residents seeking aid, understanding the ACA Medicaid expansion in Tennessee will not help with the current application process.
Medicaid expansion details are created federally, and are enforced on a state level, just like the current program. The ACA expansion of Medicaid includes financial assistance for states to control the costs of new coverage options. Failing to expand Medicaid in Tennessee left thousands of residents without care. Additionally, a “coverage gap” exists, leaving nearly 100,000 state residents without any health care options outside of emergency rooms. Nationally, nearly 3 million citizens who are eligible for Medicaid based on the ACA Medicaid expansion guidelines are left without coverage in states like Tennessee that did not take advantage of new rules.
Will Tennessee ever expand its Medicaid program?
Tennessee has no plans to implement the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in the state. The potential, long-term ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states is a major concern for politicians. Furthermore, policies may change in Washington D.C., making the ACA Medicaid expansion obsolete. The prospect of uncertainty leaves some states to stay out of the expansion, altogether. For potential beneficiaries who are seeking medical assistance, the important part is not to understand the Affordable Care Act Medicaid application, but the process to get Medicaid that is already in place. To learn more about the Medicaid expansion, download our free guide.