Medicaid Expansion Victory for Michigan, Long Overdue

Editor's note: This press release was submitted by state Rep. George Darany's office.

State Rep. George Darany, D-Dearborn, joined his colleagues in the state House of Representatives in applauding the passage of House Bill 4714. The Medicaid expansion plan will bring health care to the hard-working people of Michigan who have put in long hours for little pay, but can't afford to see a doctor because they have no health insurance.

It is estimated that nearly 400,000 adults in Michigan who currently have no medical coverage, could now be eligible under the legislation.

"This legislation is a huge step forward for the people of the great state of Michigan," said Darany. "People who currently receive no health care will be able to see a doctor who can treat them for chronic conditions and offer preventive services. Passage of this bill is a common-sense victory for everyone who understands that emergency rooms should not serve as primary care offices."

The version of the bill that was passed by the Michigan House went through numerous changes during the legislative process. The original bill placed a 48-month limit on all enrollees and would stop providing medical care to people with serious medical conditions like cancer, asthma or diabetes after four years. The new version of the bill eliminates the 48-month cap for pregnant women and individuals who are medically frail or terminally ill. It also allows an option for able-bodied adults on the program to continue Medicaid coverage if they choose to do so.

The new version of the bill also removes a 2017 funding sunset when the federal government no longer pays 100 percent of the cost. Instead, it allows Michigan to continue offering expanded Medicaid until 2035 if the cost savings to the state is realized. That will bring a measure of economic security and the promise of continuing medical coverage to Michigan’s lowest-paid workers.

"As the minority vice vhairman of the House Health Policy Committee, I am proud that my democratic colleagues in the House worked feverishly with members across the aisle to ensure that we found a solution that was in the best interest of Michigan's citizens," said Darany. "It would have been absolutely wrong to deny medical coverage to the hundreds of thousands of Michiganders who currently can't afford access to care. The health and well-being of our residents is extremely important to me and I am pleased that this long overdue legislation will move on to the Senate for support."