Analysis calls for enrolling more in marketplace rather than Medicaid

New analysis from a Dallas-based conservative group asserts that Ohio would be better off moving it’s population that earns between 100 percent and 133 percent of the poverty level to the insurance marketplace rather than expanding Medicaid  (Source: “Study: Private health exchange to aid bottom line better than Medicaid for Ohio,” Toledo Blade, Sept. 20, 2013)

According to the National Center for Policy analysis, moving those who earn between 100 and 133 FPL to exchanges would increase federal spending by $4.1 billion a year.

As for the approximately 370,000 uninsured Ohioans who earn less than 100 percent FPL, the study suggests that Ohio offer limited Medicaid benefits, which would mean forgoing the increased federal matching rate offered through the ACA. “Ohio could tailor its Medicaid program in ways that make sense and meet Ohio residents’ specific needs,” the report concludes. “These services might include selectively covering some optional populations but not others.”