Today, Explained MO Medicaid MO Problems
May 27, 2021
Joining are Jason Rosenbaum, a seasoned reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, and Sophie Quinton, a reporter for Stateline. They dive into Missouri's complicated Medicaid expansion, where public approval clashes with legislative inaction. Rosenbaum explains the fallout from the 2020 amendment that aimed to broaden access but was thwarted by funding issues. Quinton discusses the tension between citizen-led initiatives and lawmakers' responses, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democratic representation amid healthcare challenges.
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Medicaid Cuts in Missouri
- Missouri Republicans took control of the state government in 2005 and cut Medicaid for the working poor.
- Despite a Democratic governor's efforts and the Affordable Care Act, these cuts remained, leading to a 15-year fight for Medicaid expansion.
Medicaid Expansion Ballot Initiative
- Frustrated by the lack of Medicaid expansion, Missouri hospitals spearheaded a 2020 ballot initiative.
- This initiative successfully amended the state constitution to expand Medicaid.
Refusal to Fund Expansion
- Despite voter approval and initial support from the governor, the Missouri legislature refused to fund the expansion.
- Their justification is that the ballot measure lacked a dedicated funding source and misled voters on the long-term costs.