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A. Medicaid Expanison Presentation
Skala referred to Emily Young of Central Missouri Community Action to brief the board on current work for Medicaid outreach. Young said that CMCA received a grant to help fund outreach programs. CMCA hired two people that will specialize in getting people signed up for expanded Medicaid. Flyers were distributed to the Board that will be posted in places like food pantries, the Columbia Housing Authority and other such locations. Many people were left out of the benefits of the ACA because of the Medicaid gaps. Enrollment has been slow due to a lack of proper outreach to those who did not qualify for subsidized insurance or Medicaid, before expansion earlier this year. Several other organizations are helping people enroll and understand Medicaid.
Members had questions regarding benefits and providers. Dental and vision for adults are available but it is not known how comprehensive it is. There are plenty of providers in Boone County, including UHC, Healthy Blue, MU, and Boone Clinics which are all in-network. Young estimates that it takes an application a month to 60 days to be processed, about 45 days on average. Adults can get prior-quarter coverage, only if they meet the income requirements during that quarter.
Hollis said that Medicaid expansion would allow people who make less than 138% of the poverty line to receive healthcare. Traditionally, Medicaid would just enrolled children, the parents of children, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. Since more people qualify for coverage, people that have not traditionally used public assistance will be able to receive Medicaid. Everyone in Medicaid will be enrolled considered in managed care.