Alaska governor initiates plan to expand Medicaid under ACA by September

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker yesterday alerted a state legislative committee that he intends to accept federal and state funds to expand Medicaid to low-income adults by Sept. 1, setting in a motion a state process that will allow the initiative to proceed within 45 days. Extending Medicaid to low-income adults, as authorized by the Affordable Care Act, is expected to bring $146 million to the state in the first year and provide health care to more than 20,000 working Alaskans. “Every day that we fail to act, Alaska loses out on $400,000,” the governor said. “With a nearly $3 billion budget deficit, it would be foolish for us to pass up that kind of boost to Alaska’s economy.” Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Alaska State Hospital & Nursing Home Association, said, “Alaska's hospitals thank Governor Walker for his unwavering support for Medicaid expansion. This decision will allow thousands of Alaskans to access needed health care services, benefit the state's economy, strengthen the health care system and serve as a catalyst for Medicaid reform. We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and Legislature on comprehensive Medicaid reform.”