The study cites these additional benefits from Medicaid expansion:

Expansion saves lives. At least two studies have found that health coverage under the ACA decreased mortality, and one found a statistically significant reduction in mortality in expansion states compared with non-expansion states.
Expansion increases the financial security of the uninsured. Two studies found that Medicaid expansion improved financial security measures, such as credit scores, while reducing financial insecurity measures, such as medical debt collection balances.
Expansion improves hospital finances. Studies have shown this is achieved through lowered uncompensated care costs.

Expansion also benefits state economies

A study in Montana found Medicaid expansion led to an additional $600 million circulating in the state's economy each year, supporting 5,900 to 7,500 jobs and $350 million to $385 million in personal income. Additional research suggests that:

State and local governments save on uncompensated care.
States receive higher federal matching rates for some beneficiaries who, without expansion, would have been covered through pre-ACA Medicaid eligibility categories.
As the federal government spends more on a state's health care, its economic activity increases, thereby increasing tax revenue.
State taxes on health-care providers and/or health coverage premiums increase revenue.
Demand decreases for non-Medicaid state-funded programs for uninsured people with low incomes (separate from uncompensated care). Most states with comprehensive analyses project net fiscal gains from expansion, even after states begin paying 10% of costs for Medicaid expansion enrollees.

"A considerable body of research has documented the benefits of Medicaid expansion, and we find Medicaid expansion in the remaining states would make a greater difference during the pandemic," Buettgens said. "Many states that have expanded Medicaid eligibility have found it resulted in net savings to the state, which is especially important given the strain the pandemic has placed on state and local budgets."

Instant Insights /

Medicaid expansion would have extended coverage to 600,000 Americans, study finds

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