What is the expansion of Medicaid in Washington? The ACA Medicaid expansion altered the traditional rules of Medicaid that were established by the government. The ACA expansion included new policies for states to extend medical coverage to more potential recipients. However, Obamacare Medicaid expansion details only affected states that adopted the optional guidelines. As with usual protocol of the Medicaid program, the ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states is currently covered by the federal government. As the program continues, states will provide a small portion of the budget required for the program. However, Medicaid expansion does still raise some concerns for lawmakers regarding the cost of coverage. The easy answer for, “What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion?” is that it alters the rules for eligibility to include thousands of more residents who did not previously qualify for government-sponsored healthcare. Under the ACA Medicaid expansion, the group of potential recipients extends beyond the usual members to include anyone within a specific income range based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Find more information about the Obamacare Medicaid expansion in Washington and Affordable Care Act Medicaid applications by reviewing the below sections.
Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in Washington
Affordable Care Act Medicaid eligibility introduced new qualifications in Washington. The new optional rules and regulations were made available across the country. Washington, along with 30 other states and Washington, D.C., chose to adopt the Medicaid expansion as presented by the ACA. What this means is that Washington Medicaid now covers low-income adults who did not meet other eligibility requirements under the prior rules. Additionally, the program is now more lenient, making income the primary requirement to be eligible for Medicaid benefits.
The ACA expansion of Medicaid in WA opens the door for low-income individuals or families to get crucial health care coverage. And, the benefits of Medicaid extend even beyond those who can get new coverage. For instance, due to the more substantial number of new patients, jobs in the medical industry increased in the state.
To learn more about the benefits of the Medicaid expansion, download our guide.
What does opting into the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mean for Washington?
The Medicaid expansion in Washington did not affect the Affordable Care Act Medicaid application process. Potential beneficiaries still need to complete an application form that is reviewed by officials at the Health Care Authority. So, in addition to Medicaid covering pregnant women, minors, parents of children, the elderly and the disabled, abled-bodied adults are now potentially eligible, too. Now, income levels take the front seat in determining if an applicant will receive aid. Those filing Medicaid expansion applications must still meet all the requirements for eligibility, as determined by state officials.
The design of the Obamacare Medicaid expansion is meant to spread coverage out to a broader range of residents struggling with income. Potential applicants should understand the new eligibility rules for Medicaid. The process is more lenient, but there are still requirements which may be grounds for disqualification. Furthermore, resources for the program are not unlimited, and there are some applicants who will not receive aid after learning how to apply for Medicaid.
As with the Medicaid program, the federal government introduced the Obamacare Medicaid expansion details. However, the Health Care Authority administers and manages the program on a local level. Part of the ACA expansion of Medicaid includes providing states with relief from the financial burden of additional coverage. Initially, the federal government provides 100 percent of the funds for expansion. However, over time, states pay a more significant percentage (10 percent as of 2016) of the cost.
Will Washington further expand its Medicaid program?
Washington is one of many states which adopted all Medicaid rules and regulations, including those introduced by the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in 2010. As of yet, lawmakers in Congress have not updated the Affordable Care Act or introduced any new policies. As of 2017, the state Health Benefit Exchange is leading the nation in terms of market stability, options and average rates. Due to the expansion of Medicaid, plans offered in the marketplace have increased every year. In 2014, potential recipients had 46 plans to choose from, and by 2017, that number was 98. Washington continues to include all the provisions set forth by the ACA Medicaid expansion and will continue to do so as long as it benefits state residents. To learn more about the Medicaid expansion, download our guide.