Medicaid Expansion is Officially State Law!
A brief look at what’s ahead as we gear up for the April 1st enrollment date…
The Utah Decides Proposition 3 ballot initiative is state law! The public have made their voices heard in clear support of Medicaid expansion and affordable healthcare coverage for individuals and families across our state. Thanks to YOU!
But even as we celebrate, we are also looking towards next steps for implementation. We’ll be sure and keep you updated, but here’s a quick look at what’s ahead:
Getting ready for enrollment: The Department of Health is already getting ready for the April 1st, 2019 enrollment date. They have said that they are on track to meet that deadline, working with the Department of Workforce Services to begin taking applications on April 1st.
The 2019 General Session: Medicaid expansion can be implemented without action by our Legislature. However, our Legislature may nevertheless address pieces of the new law during the 2019 Session. Changes to the law can come with additional costs, create barriers to care and delays- and they also undermine the voters’ clear support for expansion as envisioned by the Affordable Care Act. As this conversation unfolds, we will be working hard to make sure expansion moves forward, just as Utah voters decided.
What can you do? Tell your state representatives and senators that you support Medicaid expansion, and want to see it move forward without added requirements or restrictions. Let’s work together to help all Utahns access affordable health coverage, without delay!
