7 reasons why Tennessee must expand Medicaid
Excuses for not accepting these funds have been exhausted
As I ended 24 years in the Tennessee General Assembly, transitioned to a gubernatorial campaign, and am learning in my current term as Mayor of my hometown, three issues have been with me all the way: health care, education, and economic growth.
These issues affect every Tennessean and are primary to the success of our citizens. We’ve invested billions of dollars to recruit jobs and spur economic success.
We’ve pulled out all the stops to win $500 million dollars in Race to the Top funding for education.
But during the same time, we’ve dismissed thousands of citizens from our Tenncare program and we continue to wring our hands in fear of the unknown when the subject of providing affordable access to vital healthcare is concerned.
I have studied and supported the expansion of Tenncare (Medicaid) for over 7 years now. In the past few years, I have challenged anyone to give me a solid reason why Tennessee should not take this step. I submit that no one has. There are important reasons why we should immediately expand Medicaid coverage:
1 The latest round of federal money announced for the 13 states that continue to refuse expansion is really too good to pass up. Over a billion dollars will come to our state over the next two years as incentive for us to expand.
2 This expansion is for working people who can’t afford or don’t have health coverage through their employer and is estimated to provide insurance to over 300,000 Tennesseans.
3 The addition of mental health coverage and substance abuse coverage is reason in and of itself to expand.
4 Rural hospitals — that have closed or reduced services — could be saved and reopened, boosting our economy and employing local residents.
5 Medicaid is a proven system that will provide millions more in dedicated funding than the experimental block grant program passed by the legislature earlier this year.
6 It is very popular with Tennesseans, polling between 60% to 70% positive. Members will listen to their constituents on expansion and I am convinced if it gets to the floor it will pass both Houses.
7 Our Lt. Governor, a dedicated public servant, has voiced a positive tone indicating that Tennessee should look closely at Medicaid Expansion with this new incentive. This is the most positive development since Gov. Haslam proposed Medicaid Expansion during his administration.
The excuses for not accepting these funds to save the lives of Tennesseans have been exhausted. There is no moral, medical, or monetary reason not to Expand Medicaid now.
Craig Fitzhugh, chairman and CEO of the Bank of Ripley, served 24 years in the Tennessee legislature.