Medicaid is a vital part of our state's health care system. Many of Missouri's poorest and sickest patients, including many with cancer, gain access to necessary care and services through the Medicaid program. Compared to being uninsured, cancer patients with Medicaid coverage have higher rates of survival because of affordable access to outpatient care, prescription drugs, and hospital services. Medicaid enrollees also have increased access to early detection and preventive services, which is critically important to beating a cancer diagnosis.
Missouri legislators have an opportunity to accept billions of dollars in federal money to assure that more hard working Missouri families have access to affordable health care coverage, including quality cancer care, through Medicaid. Should Missouri accept the funds and improve access to health care coverage through Medicaid, the federal government will pay 100% of the costs in the first three years and no less than 90% in the future.
Individuals earning $15,282 or a family of four earning $31,322 (138% of federal poverty level) would gain eligibility for Medicaid, if the Missouri legislature favorably acts on legislation to expand access to Medicaid. Governor Jay Nixon has indicated his support for the Medicaid expansion, citing the benefit to Missouri businesses, families, and our economy. In the first three years, the Governor estimates that participation in the Medicaid expansion would bring $5 billion to Missouri and provide health coverage to 260,000 Missourians at no cost to the state.
Learn More About Why Improving Access to Health Care Coverage Through Medicaid Matters to ACS CAN
Policy Resources
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The Missouri Medicaid Expansion: Good for All Missourians
In rural Missouri, expanding access to affordable health care coverage will reduce the uninsured rate by 31%. A study conducted by The Missouri Budget Project, the Center for Health Law Studies and the George Warren Brown School of Social Work. -
The Economic Impacts of Medicaid Expansion on Missouri
A report by the University of Missouri School of Medicine and Dobson DaVanzo & Associates. -
Views of Missouri Voters on Issues Relating to Health Care Reform
Polling conducted in December 2012 by the Missouri Foundation for Health. -
The Hidden Health Care Tax: How NOT Reforming Medicaid Could Lead to Cost Shifting
A report by the Missouri Hospital Association.