Sen. Sharon Hewitt: Work requirements for Medicaid can help lift Louisianans out of poverty
Medicaid expansion in Louisiana has been a major topic of discussion throughout Gov. John Bel Edwards’ time in office. There have been arguments over who foots the bill for expansion, the need for “emergency managed care organizations (MCO) contracts” and what Medicaid expansion even means. Media across the state have covered these debates as partisan issues, typically pitting the governor against political rivals.
A question that I and many of my colleagues in the Senate have continually raised since the beginning of these conversations has remained unanswered by both the governor and media members: “Is Medicaid expansion a wise use of Louisiana tax dollars?”
Earlier this year, I put forth legislation to answer this question. It requires the state to report how many able-bodied citizens are enrolling each month, how much it costs to cover them and how those taxpayer funds are being utilized.
Well, the numbers are in, and the results are disappointing. Louisiana pays $500 per person enrolled in Medicaid every month, and according to the data, one-third of those able-bodied Louisianans enrolled reported earning absolutely zero income. It seems that every time we turn around there is another news story about medical insurance premiums increasing for hard working citizens across the country. These are taxpayers, who go to work every day and contribute greatly to our economy and society. How is it fair to them to dedicate their hard earned tax dollars to people that have no interest in seeking employment?
Read more: http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/article_c5b54482-fa16-11e7-a1d3-db359a893599.html
