McConnell: 11 million Americans are eligible for Medicaid but haven't applied

[proud2BlibKansan]

Just heard ole Mitch say this on CNN.

Sure doesn't sound right.

[Canuckistanian]

1. Bull-fucking-shit

Does he think that people desperate for affordable health care would leave ANY stone unturned?

Last I heard, Medicaid was only available for those who are poor and means-tested to qualify. But the rules are so stringent, that over 60% of poor people are left uncovered.

And it does NOTHING for the "working poor", those who make too much for Medicaid and too little to afford a conventional insurance program.

Mitch McChinless needs a dose of reality.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. He probably thinks every poor person is eligible

Typical dumb old Republican white guy.

[mrcheerful]

2. He could be right as many part time workers are eligible for medicaid but won't sign up

because of states mandatory work first programs. Signing up for medicaid would mean that they would be required to spend up to 8 hours a day at a work first classroom 5 days a week which would mean they wouldn't be able to work part time, here in michigan you are required to have at least 2 part time jobs before your exempt from the work first classroom requirement.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. But is it that way in every state?

I'm sure Medicaid is underenrolled. But 11 million??

[quiller4]

5. I've heard estimates that at least 6 million children are eligible

for SCHIP but are not enrolled. I think it is believable that there could be 11 million healthy adults and children combined who are eligible for either Medicaid or SCHIP but aren't enrolled. Many enter the Medicaid system only when they have a medical crisis hits and a medical social woker at a hospital helps the sick client complete paperwork for Medicaid.

Few states do a good job of outreach seeking to enroll eligible clients in Medicaid. Language barriers present an obstacle for some. Cuts in public health budgets would be another reason for underenrollment.

[Laelth]

6. It's not that they haven't applied.

It's that they've been wrongly turned down.

The rules here in GA make it nearly impossible for people who actually qualify to get Medicaid. The state just regularly turns people down. Unless you appeal, you have very little chance of getting benefits to which you are entitled, and most people do not appeal.

:dem:

-Laelth