Locals to Call on Sen. Stiles to Support Medicaid Expansion

Release submitted on behalf of the Rockingham County Democratic Committee

Residents of New Hampshire State Senate District 24 and other Granite Staters will hold a visibility from 11 am to 12 noon this Saturday, September 28 in downtown Hampton.   At the visibility, centered at the Gazebo/Bandstand on Lafayette Road (Route 1) near the intersection with Route 27, participants will hold signs and pass out flyers urging State Senator Nancy Stiles to support Medicaid expansion for New Hampshire.

The event is being organized by the Rockingham County Democratic Committee.  Committee Chair Larry Drake stated: “We are asking Senator Stiles to do the right thing for the health and economy of New Hampshire by supporting Medicaid expansion.  We encourage anyone who agrees with us to come and let your voice be heard.”

Senator Stiles is one of nine voting members of the Medicaid Expansion Study Commission created by the recent state budget agreement.  The Commission has been meeting weekly and is scheduled to deliver its final report by October 15.  A special session of the State Legislature is expected to be convened afterwards to vote on the Commission’s recommendations.

Under the Affordable Care Act, $2.4 billion is available to help tens of thousands of NH working families get health care coverage by expanding Medicaid.  The federal government will pay 100% of the cost of expanding Medicaid for the first three years and no less than 90% after that.  Major health care provider organizations have publicly endorsed Medicaid expansion, including the NH Hospital Association, the NH Medical Society and the NH Nurse Practitioner Association.  Expanding Medicaid will dramatically reduce the use of expensive emergency room services by the uninsured. These services are currently paid for by NH taxpayers and those with insurance.  The New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute reports that Medicaid expansion will create 5,100 new jobs; increase the gross state product by $2.8 billion; increase personal income by more than $2 billion; and decrease household spending on health care by almost $100 million statewide.  If NH becomes dissatisfied with Medicaid expansion, the state can withdraw at any time without penalty.