Making an evidence-based case that Kentucky needs to continue its transformative and nation-leading health reform efforts, Gov. Steve Beshear joined health-care advocates today to talk about steady improvements in noted health measures as well as the hugely positive economic impact for the medical industry.
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Beshear, in his first public appearance since the November 3 gubernatorial election, cited what he said were Kentucky’s enormous gains in public health under the Affordable Care Act, which included an expansion of Medicaid and creation of the state health insurance exchange, kynect.
Likely nothing. Bevin has said he has no immediate plans to make changes in the current system while he considers options for a new Medicaid program in Kentucky.
“They got up every day and rolled the dice, and just prayed that they didn’t get sick”, said Beshear, describing the worry of Kentuckians without health insurance.
Beshear created Kynect, a state health care exchange and expanded Medicaid for the state’s poorest residents.
Kentucky was one of 13 states that chose to set up its own health insurance marketplace, and it won praise from President Obama and health care advocates.
“I want people to understand that I am committed to dismantling it over the long term because it adds no value”.
Bevin says he’ll apply for a federal waiver allowing Kentucky to design a Medicaid plan he says the state can better afford. Both are unpopular in Kentucky.
“Why do that to our people? It’s inconceivable to me why-just to make a partisan political statement-Kentucky would want to go backward and become the first state to decommission a successful exchange”.
Bevin also noted Kentucky will be on the hook for $250 million.
Beshear, at times striking a restive tone on Friday, said the cost of Medicaid expansion to the general fund is $257.3 million over the next two years.
“We are well on our way to achieving our goal of ensuring that even our most vulnerable citizens have the benefit of affordable health care”, Luallen said.
That’s why Beshear is trying to pressure Governor-elect Matt Bevin into breaking a campaign promise.
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“It’s the moral and ethical thing to do”.
