From the beginning of his campaign Governor Bill Walker has advocated the need for Medicaid expansion in Alaska.
Gov. Walker: “The decisions we make on the state budget affect overall economy. That’s why my budget will include the $450 million of federal money available to us through Medicaid expansion. It is 100% federally funded until December of 2016, then steps down over 4 years to 90%. Investing in health of Alaskans is sound prudent fiscal policy, we all want Alaskans to be productive as possible but if people can’t work, they can’t hunt, they can’t fish, unless they’re healthy. Medicaid expansion is good for Alaskans and good for Alaska.”
On February 6 he and Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Valerie Davidson presented his plan for Medicaid expansion and reform.
The plans forecast $145.5 million in federal revenues to Alaska in fiscal year 2016, continuing to increase over the next six years.
Additionally the reports project a savings of $6.1 million in fiscal year 2016, also increasing as years progress.
According to the department those savings will be accomplished by reducing or eliminating contributions to programs that provide health care to those who would be eligible for Medicaid.
The issue is expected to be debated by lawmakers.
During his campaign Walker said there was potential for 41,000 Alaskans to benefit from expansion as a big deal.
A separate analysis, released by the state, found nearly 42,000 Alaskans would be eligible for coverage next year but about 20,000 would be expected to enroll that first year.