Medicaid Expansion Victory in Missouri

ACS CAN advocated for expansion throughout the legislative process in Missouri, including playing a key role in its adoption via a ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to provide for it.  Despite the constitutional amendment, the Missouri legislature refused to the fund the expansion, leading to a lawsuit by potential Medicaid beneficiaries. The case was Doyle et al v. Tidball.  The trial court ruled against the plaintiffs, leading to an emergency appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.  On July 22, 2021, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled unanimously on behalf of the plaintiffs.
 
Health and patient advocacy groups submitted an amicus brief  supporting Medicaid beneficiaries in conjunction with Missouri-based health economists and law professors. The brief provides extensive scientific data on how Medicaid expansion has been proven to positively affect health access and outcomes, and reduces health disparities. This data included several studies by ACS researchers. The brief also includes arguments on how expansion would benefit Missouri's budget and economy, as well as its health care system.  22 public health organizations joined the brief: ACS CAN, the National Health Law Program, American Diabetes Association, Cancer Support Community, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation, Gateway Hemophilia Association, Gilda’s Club Kansas City, Hemophilia Federation of America, March of Dimes, Midwest Hemophilia Association, NAMI Missouri, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, National Hemophilia Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Organization for Rare Disorders, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Prostate Network, The AIDS Institute and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Read our press statement about the brief.