Sunday, December 29, 2013

The Obamacare Gap

Most Americans who are signing up for "Obamacare" are getting a shock when they find out they will not be insured at all.

     The following states have decided not to expand Medicaid to include folks who have an income which is not high enough to cover any credits towards health insurance purchases on the federal exchange.

This map shows where states stand on expanding Medicaid
  • Alabama
  • Alaska 
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nebraska 
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming        
     So, If you live in any of these states, and make less than the exchange rate ($23,500 for a family of 4). And you did not qualify for Medicaid before now. You still won't be able to qualify for coverage thru Medicaid.
      Many families were under the notion that The Affordable Healthcare Act would be the answer to the lack of healthcare they have had. Many have been shocked when they have contacted the Affordable Healthcare website hotline, Only to learn they have been overlooked by their state.
     When I asked what people are to who fall into this "gap of coverage" for health insurance. The federal worker on the phone explained to me that they could go to their local community health center, or free clinic.
     In conclusion, The Affordable Healthcare Act was designed to help low income families get health coverage that they couldn't get before. In 21 states it has not done this. It has ignored the very families it was designed to help.