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Will NH keep expanded Medicaid?

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Expanded Medicaid eligibility is set to expire at the end of 2016, and lawmakers will consider whether to continue the program next year.

When lawmakers first approved expanded Medicaid eligibility in 2014, the federal government agreed to cover 100% of the additional costs.  However, federal support will gradually decrease over time. 

To continue expanded Medicaid eligibility in 2017, the state will need to come up with $12 million. 

Opponents of the program point to that $12 million, as well as the administrative costs of larger caseloads, as a big reason to end the program.  They argue cash-strapped New Hampshire simply can’t afford expanded Medicaid in the long run.

However, the Concord Monitor reports that Sen. Jeb Bradley is “working on a way to make health care providers and stakeholders cover the state’s share, so the cost won’t be borne by taxpayers.” 

Supporters of the program argue that New Hampshire has an obligation to continue coverage for the roughly 40,000 low income residents who signed up through the program.

Both Republicans and Democrats are sponsoring bills to continue expanded Medicaid, but the texts of those bills are not yet public.

Do you support expanded Medicaid?  Comment below!

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