West Virginia Governor Expands Medicaid Coverage for the Poor

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D) announced he supports expanding Medicaid coverage within the state, allowing for more low income people to enroll in the program.

Medicaid expansion is a key element in Obamacare. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress couldn't force states to expand Medicaid coverage, Medicaid is paid for with both state and federal funds, so states have been allowed to opt out of expanding their coverage.

Gov. Tomblin becomes the 27th governor to show support for expanding coverage. West Virginia has been hit especially hard by the economic crisis and Tomblin felt providing Medicaid to the poorest in his state was a necessary thing.

"We anticipate expansion will allow us to provide insurance coverage to approximately 91,500 working West Virginians, significantly reducing the number of uninsured," Tomblin said through a press release.

Tomblin went on to explain the state will not allow the expanded coverage to become too much of a burden for their finances.

"A decision to expand today, however, does not end our efforts. We must carefully watch federal efforts," Tomblin said. "If the program becomes unsustainable, particularly after three years, or the federal government changes its promised funding allocations, we must be prepared to take action to protect our state."

According to the Associated Press, Tomblin was able to make the decision after studying detailed financial analysis of the pros and cons of expanding Medicaid.

"At the end of the day we have weighed the options and believe that expanding Medicaid is the best option for West Virginia," Tomblin said while announcing the decision alongside Sen. Jay Rockefeller on Tuesday.

Tomblin may have been swayed by the urging of Bishop Michael J. Bransfield. Bransfield wrote a letter to the governor on behalf of his diocese asking the governor to support Medicaid expansion.

"Catholic social teaching supports adequate and affordable health care for all," Bransfield said. "Our national and state health-care policy must protect human life and dignity, not threaten them, especially for the most voiceless and vulnerable."

Perry Bryant, head of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, explained to the West Virginia Gazette why it was essential that the state adopt expanded Medicaid.

"Behind all of the numbers that are discussed today are thousands of West Virginians who will benefit greatly from Governor Tomblin's action," Bryant said. "It is the waitress who serves us lunch today, the man working for a small roofing company, the women working at a child health care center, the aid at a nursing home. These are hardworking West Virginians who struggle without health care. Now they will get the coverage they deserve thanks to Governor Tomblin."

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