To: Governor Kevin Stitt
Accept expanded Medicaid funding under the Affordable Care Act
The economic progress of the state depends on having a healthy workforce. Oklahoma currently ranks 46th in the nation for the health of its citizens. We remind you that you said in your 2012 State of the State address that access to affordable health care is necessary for Oklahoma citizens to become healthier.
The Oklahoma County Democrats urge you to accept the Medicaid expansion.
The Oklahoma County Democrats urge you to accept the Medicaid expansion.
Why is this important?
We identify four reasons why the Medicaid expansion should be accepted.
1. It will reduce the number of uninsured Oklahomans. By accepting Medicaid funding, the number of uninsured poor people could be cut by 53.1 percent. Reducing the number of uninsured reduces costs for everyone and makes the healthcare system work better.
2. It protects Oklahoma hospitals. Hospitals will end up treating Oklahoma’s indigent population no matter what happens. They will end up losing millions of dollars in payments if federal funding is not accepted.
3. It will spur the economy by bringing billions of dollars to the state. This will drive more Oklahomans to seek medical services, resulting in an increased demand for medical jobs. While states will have to spend some money on Medicaid, there will be an overall budget savings because a variety of other state expenses, like uncompensated care, will go down.
4. It is philosophically the correct course to take. Health care is a right, not a privilege. The state has a responsibility and people ought to expect to be able to get health care.
1. It will reduce the number of uninsured Oklahomans. By accepting Medicaid funding, the number of uninsured poor people could be cut by 53.1 percent. Reducing the number of uninsured reduces costs for everyone and makes the healthcare system work better.
2. It protects Oklahoma hospitals. Hospitals will end up treating Oklahoma’s indigent population no matter what happens. They will end up losing millions of dollars in payments if federal funding is not accepted.
3. It will spur the economy by bringing billions of dollars to the state. This will drive more Oklahomans to seek medical services, resulting in an increased demand for medical jobs. While states will have to spend some money on Medicaid, there will be an overall budget savings because a variety of other state expenses, like uncompensated care, will go down.
4. It is philosophically the correct course to take. Health care is a right, not a privilege. The state has a responsibility and people ought to expect to be able to get health care.