Citing study data, Beshear continues bid to preserve state health exchange

BETHESDA, Md. (WTVQ) – A healthcare policy journal, Health Affairs, released a study on Wednesday that former Governor Steve Beshear says shows the positive impact expanding Medicaid has had on Kentuckians.

Data from the study claims that uninsured rates among nonelderly residents with incomes of up to $25,000 declined from 35 percent at the end of 2013 to under 11 percent in late 2014.

Beshear also is drawing attention to a study from Deloitte Consulting and the University of Louisville Urban Studies Institute, that says that expanded Medicaid generated 12,000 new jobs and $1.3 billion in new revenues for providers. In addition, Medicaid expansion was projected to have a $300 million positive impact on the state’s 2016–‐18 biennial budget.

Pointing to his concerns regarding Governor Matt Bevin’s campaign promise to dismantle Kynect and diminish Medicaid expansion, Governor Beshear stated, “Each and every third party study demonstrates that Medicaid expansion has been an overwhelming success. I have yet to see any concrete, non–‐partisan research showing that the current policy is unsustainable. In fact, all the evidence released so far points clearly to Kynect and Medicaid expansion being a robust success here in Kentucky.”

To learn more about Save Kentucky Healthcare, visit: www.SaveKYHealthcare.org