States that extended Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act experienced a twofold reduction in working people without health coverage, based on a Families USA study, according to Public News Service.
Here are five insights into Kentucky and Virginia Medicaid's policies.
1. Kentucky experienced a decrease in smoking rates, obesity and cancer deaths, after expanding Medicaid.
2. Kentuckians critical of Medicaid expansion argue the state can not sustain the costs long-term.
3. More than one-third of Kentucky's uninsured working population received coverage after Medicaid expansion.
4. The Virginia General Assembly has not closed the "coverage gap," which leaves more than 200,000 adults below the poverty line without health insurance. These individuals make too much money to receive Medicaid, but can't afford health exchange insurance.
5. Ultimately, the study concludes closing this "coverage gap" will result in a healthier workforce.