Politics

The Medicaid Work Requirement Debate Isn’t Just About Work

Executive Summary The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has introduced work requirements for Medicaid expansion enrollees, expected to reduce federal spending while decreasing enrollment. Evidence from prior implementation of work requirements in Arkansas found no clear increase in employment, though they were short lived and administratively flawed. The empirical evidence for work requirements reflects … Continue reading →

Healthcare / Medicaid

Housing as Healthcare: Medicaid’s New Program Sparks Debate

Executive Summary: The Biden administration has encouraged states to use Medicaid funds to alleviate the homelessness crisis with around 20 states directing billions of dollars from their Medicaid program to provide short-term housing for those experiencing homelessness, with some states devoting anywhere from six to fifteen percent of its Medicaid spending to such programs.  In … Continue reading →

ACA Made Easy: Individual Shared Responsibility
Affordable Care Act / Healthcare / Social Insurance Programs

ACA Made Easy: Individual Shared Responsibility

Since the Individual Mandate statute of the Affordable Care Act was enacted in January 2014, every American is accountable for an Individual Shared Responsibility* payment every year. Meaning, if you do not have health insurance, you will face penalties. While you may not see an actual summons, or pay a fine, the federal government enforces … Continue reading →

The Affordable Care Act Aims High for Fiscal Irresponsibility
Affordable Care Act / Debt / Medicaid Expansion

The Affordable Care Act Aims High for Fiscal Irresponsibility

In budgetary terms, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is anything but affordable. Though well-intentioned, it expands a poorly designed program and adds significant spending during a time of slow economic growth. This attempt to improve and expand health coverage to uninsured Americans is unduly expensive. In an already strained fiscal climate where the federal budget has reached … Continue reading →

Indiana’s Exception to Obamacare Leaves Many Without Health Insurance
Affordable Care Act / Healthcare

Indiana’s Exception to Obamacare Leaves Many Without Health Insurance

The State of Indiana has been allowed an exception for one year from the Affordable Care Act and has subsequently denied government incentives to expand Medicaid and has declined to set up an exchange for consumers. This exception is being officially referred to as a health-law “waiver”. This exception was given to Indiana in order … Continue reading →

Uncertain Healthcare Exemptions to Broken Promises of the ACA
Affordable Care Act / Healthcare / Medicaid / Medicaid Expansion / Politics

Uncertain Healthcare Exemptions to Broken Promises of the ACA

It has been a week of whirlwind, frustrations, and disappointments for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). To better describe it in the words of Senator Max Baucus (D-MO.), “I just see a huge train wreck coming down.” First of all, there has been speculation that lawmakers and Capitol Hill aids could be exempt from entering … Continue reading →