Recently, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an updated analysis of the American Health Care Act (AHCA). As mentioned in my previous health care updates, my staff and I remain plugged into this debate. We will continue to deliver a fact-based analysis of any new information we receive and break down the specific impact it will have for us here in Nevada.
In regards to the AHCA, many Nevadans have raised concerns with certain portions of the bill, so I wanted to take a moment to address some of those concerns. Below is information pulled directly from the CBO’s latest analysis of the AHCA in regards to Nevada’s Medicaid expansion population.
Medicaid Expansion Enrollees
With respect to Nevada’s expanded Medicaid enrollees, my overriding concern was that the AHCA would leave Nevada with a nearly $245 million shortfall by cutting federal Medicaid funding to the states over the coming four years. I have since, after direct conversation with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), confirmed the following:
- Any Nevadan who has enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program from its inception in 2014 through the end of 2019 is free to remain in the program so long as their income does not exceed 138% of the national poverty level;
- Nevada will continue to receive the enhanced federal Medicaid funding for enrollees that it is currently receiving for as long as that enrollee stays in the program;
- Present expanded enrollees lose eligibility only if they exceed income of 138% of the national poverty level, or if they elect to take employer provided or private health insurance;
- Included in the bill are tax credits paid in advance (available even if the individual doesn’t owe taxes) and additional cost-sharing mechanisms to ensure those recently leaving Medicaid can have access to insurance on the private market.
These conclusions are based on the language contained in the AHCA, which has allowed us to conclude that the potential for Nevada deficits or expanded Medicaid enrollees being kicked off of Medicaid will be avoided.
CBO ANALYSIS: Another part of the $834 billion savings in the Medicaid program comes from the discontinuation of adults making 138% of the federal poverty level, although, individuals who are already enrolled in Medicaid, and are part of the expansion program, would be allowed to remain in the program. Additionally, the State would be reimbursed at the rate it would have been under the ACA, until these individuals become Medicare eligible or earn a higher income.
While we understand that Medicaid Expansion will eventually be phased out, we expect the recovery of our economy to continue, giving us reason to believe we will not need as robust of a safety net as we once needed at the height of the recession. Additionally, with Nevada leading the nation in job growth in 2016, we also can expect employer-based coverage to become available to more people. Nevada's economic recovery has been strong under Governor Sandoval.
As promised, my staff and I will continue examining all new information related to the AHCA and clarify what it means for folks in Nevada. I ask that you please take a moment to review CBO’s analysis if you have not already, and let me know what you think through my website. Stay tuned for the next week’s health care update in which we plan to examine: Community Health Centers and Women’s Coverage.
For additional information, please visit my website at
amodei.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-6155, Reno office: (775) 686-5760 or Elko office: (775) 777-7705. To receive updates on what I am doing in Washington and in Nevada’s 2
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