Americans struggle with Medicaid 'coverage gap'

Millions face being uninsured as a result of 2012 Supreme Court decision.

Storified by AJAMStream· Fri, Jan 10 2014 14:51:50

stlbeacon.org

As states implement the change, some are tweeting personal stories.

Worked with a woman who was crying because she falls in the Medicaid coverage gap. Bad policy affects real people.Sam Richardson

In Idaho, a state that has opted to not use the expansion, Amy Workman is choosing to move to Oregon with her son. She hopes the move will allow her to enroll into an insurance program.

I have probably about $12 in my (bank) account,” Workman said before leaving for Oregon. “I have to do something proactive for myself, or I’m not going to be able to put a roof over my son’s head.idahostatesman.com





Workman's decision to move was met with solidarity by some online. The total number of Idaho residents who fall into the coverage gap totals roughly 55,000 adults. For a family of four, the gap includes annual incomes between $6,445 (or about 27% of the federal poverty level) and $23,550.

We are facing the same situation within our own family.Brandi Stites

I, too, am facing this decision. A higher minimum wage and healthcare. Much more humane.Kate Hill

More than 20% of those who are in danger of falling through the cracks reside in Texas alone. As Texas insurance is not modified to include those currently ineligible, many families are facing difficulty. Claudia, a Texas mother of seven from El Salvador, fears going to the hospital because of the high cost of healthcare. By being stuck in the gap, health coverage seems unaffordable.

Without the subsidy, the family’s premium for a mid-level “silver” health plan on the exchange would be roughly $5,000 per year.theatlantic.com

Like all childless adults in Texas, Claudia's 19-year-old daughter remains ineligible for insurance.

kff.org

Wisconsin has also chosen to not implement expansion. On January 9, Gov. Scott Walker announced that 83,000 of residents living in poverty would transfer to the state's BadgerCare Plus program in April after the Obama Administration allowed for a federal waiver of Medicaid rules.

For the 1st time in WI history, everyone living in poverty will have access to health care through Medicaid in 2014. No coverage gap.Governor Walker

Elsewhere, approximately four million have signed up for Medicaid, many of whom through expansion programs.

Do you live a in a 'Medicaid gap' state? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.