Think it’s too late for states to expand #Medicaid? Think again. I explain more here, but here are a few thoughts /1 https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/states-can-quickly-expand-medicaid-to-provide-coverage-and-financial-security-to

Over 4 million (!) currently uninsured ppl would gain coverage if the remaining 15 non-expansion states expanded #Medicaid…and that doesn’t count the many more who are likely to lose their jobs or income due to the #COVID19 economic crisis /2

The importance of #Medicaid expansion will only grow during the economic downturn…even before the crisis hit, fewer than 20% of unemployed ppl were uninsured in expansion states, compared to over 40% in non-expansion states /3

Expanding coverage is impt during a health crisis & #Medicaid is there when you need it. It covers #COVID19 testing & treatment as well as for other health conditions that make ppl vulnerable to the virus, like diabetes /4

And there’s obviously benefits to expanding #Medicaid that go beyond the current #COVID19 health and economic crisis /5

So how do states do it? States need to submit their 3 #Medicaid expansion SPAs and start making eligibility system changes ASAP so they can start accepting apps and get ppl enrolled as soon they get CMS approval /6

Even though folks may not enroll in #Medicaid for a couple of months, states can make their expansions retroactive to April 1st so long as they get their SPAs into CMS by June 30th /7

Why is this important? Two words: retroactive coverage. This #Medicaid feature pays for costs incurred by an enrollee in the 3 month period prior to application /8

Retroactive coverage helps #Medicaid providers b/c it reduces uncompensated care costs. This could be especially important for hospitals that may be struggling w/ the combined burden of #COVID19 costs & reduced revenue from elective procedures /9

States can implement #Medicaid expansion quickly by adopting strategies to get ppl enrolled fast! Some states, like NE, OK, WI and KS are well-positioned to expand quickly – and they should! /end