Gov. John Bel Edwards touts new Medicaid expansion study showing access to care improved
Gov. John Bel Edwards administration marked the third anniversary of Medicaid expansion taking effect in Louisiana by touting a new study that found access to health care has improved for people taking advantage of the health insurance program.
The study, which was funded by the Louisiana Department of Health and conducted by Tulane University researchers, found improvements in access to medical care, utilization and provider participation. Fewer people are unable to see a doctor or are not taking their medication as prescribed because of the expansion of Medicaid, researchers found.
The report is part of a broader examination Tulane is doing on Medicaid expansion, including its economic impact.
Low-income adults making less than 138% of the federal poverty line about $34,638 annually for family of four became eligible for the government-sponsored health insurance in 2016 after Edwards expanded the program. Nearly half a million people are currently enrolled in the expansion.
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