Medicaid Expansion Debate Resumes Today

State legislators are scheduled to meet in special session today to begin considering the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

According to the Union Leader, the House and Senate are scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. to begin the process of hearings and meetings, which will culminate in a vote on Nov. 21.

Senate leadership will also hold a press conference at 11 a.m. at the Statehouse to discuss the special schedule legislation. And Gov. Maggie Hassan is scheduled to attend a 1 p.m. meeting of the state's Commission on Medicaid Management, where she will receive an update on its efforts and recommendations.

The commission voted Oct. 15 to adopt a report recommending that nearly 50,000 people be added to the Medicaid program in New Hampshire. The study commission recommended that New Hampshire move forward with expansion of Medicaid for individuals at up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level by Jan. 1 in order to maximize the available 100 percent federal funding for the first three years. The commission’s report also includes options for helping individuals stay on private insurance and for protecting New Hampshire’s long-term budget outlook as the federal match gradually shifts to no less than 90 percent.

For more information on the Commission on Medicaid Management, including materials and minutes from previous meetings, visit http://www.governor.nh.gov/media/news/2013/pr-2013-04-10-medicaid-care.htm.