Senator Schupp files legislation to allow working Missourians to access Medicaid
Thirty-six other states have already expanded Medicaid for working Americans
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, has pre-filed legislation to allow working Missourians access to the state’s health insurance program, Medicaid, by expanding the eligibility threshold to individuals in the “coverage gap” who make less than $17,000 per year. It is estimated that 232,000 additional Missourians could receive health care coverage once Medicaid is expanded to cover people making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level under Sen. Schupp’s legislation.
“A consequence of Missouri’s current policy is that hundreds of thousands of Missourians have to choose between having a job and having health care coverage. This is wrong and it must change,” Sen. Schupp said. “Years of excuses have left Missouri lagging behind other states which have already improved and expanded Medicaid. Missourians should not be forced to sit on the sidelines while other Americans take advantage of a better Medicaid system.”
Currently, non-disabled adults without children are not eligible for Medicaid coverage under Missouri’s Medicaid program, called Mo HealthNet. Missouri’s Medicaid eligibility for adults with children is among the most restrictive in the nation. For a family of four, an income of $6,000 per year disqualifies that family from accessing health care coverage through Missouri Medicaid.
Missouri is one of only 14 states that has failed to take advantage of the full benefits of the federal Medicaid expansion program.
Legislators may pre-file bills to be considered during the 2020 legislative session beginning Dec. 2. Lawmakers return to the State Capitol for the start of the 2020 session on Jan. 8.
For more information on Sen. Schupp, visit her official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schupp.