The frequent complaint by Republican Governors is the cost to the state after the first two years. That is not accurate.
The federal government when they passed the law realized there would be larger initial costs than long term costs. Americans were not receiving health care in many instances and the Medicaid costs would be increased especially in the first two years.
There were far more eligible for Medicaid so the start costs outside the administrative costs would be significant. As Americans receive medical care during these first two years, the they are going to incur far higher costs than a person who has received medical care for all their life.
The federal government by covering 100% of the Medicaid costs absorbed the initial 'shock to the system.' People are going to be diagnosed and receive treatment. There are going to be surgeries, medications, regular physician visits, specialists, chemotherapy, radiation and other services required to RESTORE health that has been neglected for so long.
Lives will be saved and for serious health problems their quality of life will be better. But, the initial two years will be expensive. What will occur after the initial two years will be knowledge of our citizens and they will be entering preventive care from then on.
There will be medications known in the demand from these new health care recipients and that is probably the only aspect of the costs that will remain, however, the people receiving those medications will be healthier and receiving regular care.
In actuality, the cost of the Medicaid to the states will be less than any costs during the first two years and there is every indication once people understand how best to obtain a primary care physician and what real health care provides they will attend to their best outcomes.
The language barrier and education of our citizens is important during these first two years. I think people will be very surprised at the cost to the states after the first two years. If it is done well, the states should be fine.
