January 4 — CONCORD — Amber MacQuarriesingle mother of two children Dublinsaid getting health coverage through the Medicaid expansion became her lifeline after serious family health issues led her to lose a business and a rented home.
“My children and I were homeless for a year and a half until a few months ago because the rent was too high. I can’t imagine our medical needs not being met on top of everything else” , said MacQuarrie, who broke down sobbing repeatedly at a press conference on Wednesday and pushing for the permanent renewal of this health care coverage for 90,000 low-income adults.
Social service providers and business leaders joined MacQuarrie in presenting a united front in support of Medicaid expansion.
The program will end later this year unless lawmakers vote to renew it.
In 2014, the legislature passed the enlargement in 2014 and then renewed it in 2019.
The benefit provides coverage for adults up to 133% of the federal poverty level or $36,908 annually for a family of four.
MacQuarrie ran a home daycare when she needed heart surgery and had to pursue Medicaid expansion.
Then her daughter, Olive, now 10, became seriously ill and was in a wheelchair at times. Both were later diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a rare genetic condition.
“We’re not that special. We’re just a small example in this great country that exemplifies the need,” MacQuarrie said.
The state’s labor shortage underscores the need to provide that coverage so that families in entry-level jobs get the preventative health care they need, he said. David Juvetexecutive vice president at the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association.
“It’s not just the sonic thing to do in New Hampshireit’s the right thing to do,” added Juvet.
Feds take 90% of expansion coverage
Federal grants funded 90% of the benefits paid to these individuals under Obamacare.
The state pays 50% coverage for the 130,000 who receive traditional Medicaid.
The state’s 10% share does not come from the general fund, which finances the state budget.
Instead, lawmakers moved to require the three managed care companies offering this coverage to pay state insurance premium tax and also voted to take money out of the fund each year. of state liquor, which receives 5% of the net profit from state liquor sales.
Senate President Jeb BradleyR-Wolfeborosponsors the legislation and said it supports maintaining existing sources of state support.
“It’s proven to be very stable and has worked well for the past nine years,” Bradley said.
Jacques Berryvice president of New Futures, a public health policy organization, said he hopes lawmakers find other ways to pay him so the liquor fund can return to its original purpose.
“The Alcohol Fund provides essential support for addiction programs on the front lines,” Berry said.
Susan Stearngeneral manager of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in New Hampshiresaid her seriously mentally ill son opted for Medicaid expansion after turning 26 because he could no longer be on his family’s insurance plan.
“For my child and many others, it has indeed proven to be a safety net,” Stearns said.
State Representative JR HoellR-dunbartonand a new member of House Finance Committeesaid budget writers should take a hard look at whether the program could be more effective.
“Are their health improving for the level of spending? That’s the question,” Hoell said.
Govt. Chris Sununu said lawmakers should consider whether to continue to provide the benefit through managed care or a different administrative model that could save taxpayers money.
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