Medicaid in Louisiana is a significant public program. It has the potential to influence the political landscape, especially of the voter participation of its beneficiaries.
1. Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Voter Turnout:
In 2016, Louisiana adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion to offer coverage for low-income adults. At the time of the expansion, Louisiana had the lowest Medicaid enrollment rate among eligible adults. It also had the second highest number of newly eligible adults under ACA in the nation.
Now, there are 787,000 adults in the Expansion Group in Louisiana.
- Studies suggest that Medicaid expansion can lead to a short-term increase in voter turnout.
- For example, the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Medicaid expansion is linked to increased voter registration. It also boosted turnout, particularly in the 1014 election cycle.
2. Medicaid Beneficiaries as a Political Constituency:
- Beyond individual voter behavior, Medicaid beneficiaries in Louisiana represent a large and influential political constituency.
- Our organizing efforts are using the collective strength of Medicaid beneficiaries. We advocate for policies that support their health and well-being.
3. Voting Power of Medicaid Participants:
Medicaid, as a public assistance program, plays a role in voter registration and participation. Its expansion has been shown to impact voter turnout.
The voting power of Medicaid beneficiaries in Louisiana should not be taken lightly. Especially in the context of healthcare policy debates and potential changes to the program.
- Politicians who support Medicaid cuts risk alienating voters who rely on those programs, leading to electoral consequences..
4. Healthy Louisiana:
Louisiana’s Medicaid expansion program, “Healthy Louisiana,” provides health insurance to low-income adults. The program, which took effect in 2016, has already significantly affected Louisiana’s healthcare landscape.
As Advocates for Louisiana Medicaid recipients, we emphasize the importance of ensuring their voices are heard in the political process. We also focus on addressing their healthcare needs. .
- This analysis explores how eliminating the 90% federal match rate for the ACA expansion affects states. It also looks at impacts on Medicaid participants. Presently, over 20 million people are covered. Eliminating the Medicaid Expansion Federal Match Rate: State-by-State Estimates
Urge Congress to oppose eliminating the federal match rate for the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Louisiana Civic Coalition
email: laciviccoalition@gmail.com
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