Earlier this week, Governor Bob McDonnell released his amendments to the biennium budget, which added minimum conditions that must be met for the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission (MIRC) to move forward with Medicaid expansion in Virginia. The bottom line is that these amendments don't change the work we have ahead! We still believe we need to move forward with expansion without delay and will continue to work to make that happen!
Medicaid expansion will create about 30,000 health care jobs in Virginia. If Virginia delays expansion past January 1, 2014, we will lose $5 million a day of federal revenue. But the benefits of Medicaid expansion extend further than effects to our economy. Over 400,000 uninsured, hard-working Virginians who are unable to afford coverage now would be able to obtain insurance through Medicaid expansion.
Jim Lindsay, a member of Virginia Organizing’s Statewide Health Care Strategy Committee, said, “I am pleased that Virginia remains on a path to Medicaid expansion, the practical benefits of which are undeniable. Medicaid expansion should move forward without delay. Every day we delay adds to the needless loss of life simply for lack of health insurance.“
As more information becomes available, and as the MIRC begins to meet, we will keep you informed about how you can help! Thank you for all your hard work. It is because of you and people like you all over Virginia that Medicaid expansion is closer to a reality for more than 400,000 uninsured Virginians!
