Is Medicaid expanded in Louisiana?

On July 1, 2016, Louisiana became the first—and so far only—state in the Deep South to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to all adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

What does expanded Medicaid mean?

Some states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover all people with household incomes below a certain level. In states that have expanded Medicaid coverage: You can qualify based on your income alone. If your household income is below 133% of the federal poverty level, you qualify.

When did the Medicaid expansion take effect?

January 1, 2014
Coverage under the Medicaid expansion became effective January 1, 2014 in all states that have adopted the Medicaid expansion except for the following: Michigan (4/1/2014), New Hampshire (8/15/2014), Pennsylvania (1/1/2015), Indiana (2/1/2015), Alaska (9/1/2015), Montana (1/1/2016), Louisiana (7/1/2016), Virginia (1/1/ …

Why do states oppose Medicaid expansion?

Some Republican state leaders have also opted not to enlarge Medicaid because they oppose the Affordable Care Act, which set up Medicaid expansion. Others are concerned that federal expansion funding could eventually be reduced and leave states shouldering more costs.

Who qualifies for expanded Medicaid?

Under the expansion, Medicaid eligibility would be extended to adults up to age 64 with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (133 percent plus a 5 percent income disregard).

What are the drawbacks of Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid

Lower reimbursements and reduced revenue. Every medical practice needs to make a profit to stay in business, but medical practices that have a large Medicaid patient base tend to be less profitable.
Administrative overhead.
Extensive patient base.
Medicaid can help get new practices established.