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PR Rep. Lavender files Medicaid expansion legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   January 13, 2016

                                                                             Rep. Deb Lavender (314) 749-7777

 

Rep. Lavender files Medicaid expansion legislation

 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – This morning, as part of a comprehensive plan for Missouri, state Rep. Deb Lavender, D-Kirkwood, introduced legislation to expand Medicaid in Missouri. Under the proposed law, 300,000 Missourians who currently fall into the coverage gap would gain access to affordable health care and 24,000 jobs would be created.  

 

After serving on a Medicaid task force this fall Lavender says, “I know Missouri’s Medicaid system works and works well for hardworking people who don’t have health insurance.  Medicaid in Missouri is flipping the way we care for people by keeping people well instead of taking care of them after they get sick.  Focusing on preventive care keeps costs down and employees in the workplace where they continue to contribute to our economy.”

 

Tracy Gleason, communications director at the Missouri Budget Project noted that even just considering the direct and immediate benefits, “Medicaid expansion would save Missouri at least $100 million in state funds after it’s implemented. Like other states, Missouri would see these savings as a result of people moving from existing state-funded services into Medicaid, which would be 90 percent federally funded.”