Deal’s Medicaid decision denies health insurance to 600,000
So far, six Republican governors have decided to buck their party and accept federal expansion of Medicaid coverage, concluding that the best interests of their state and its citizens outweigh the interests of their political party.
Gov. Nathan Deal of Georgia has made the opposite choice, and the damage inflicted on Georgia by his decision will be considerable.
Here’s the deal:
Under the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, the federal government has offered to cover 100 percent of the costs of health insurance for an additional 620,000 Georgians. The deal is good for three years, from 2014 through 2016. In 2017, the federal government will still pay 95 percent of the cost, and the percentage will slide to 90 percent by 2020.
For every year thereafter, the federal government will cover 90 percent of the cost.
That would amount to an influx of $40 billion into the Georgia economy from 2014 to 2023, according to Bill Custer, a health economist at Georgia State University. That will boost the state’s economic output by an average of $8.2 billion a year. That in turn will create more than 70,000 new jobs in a state with the nation’s ninth-highest unemployment rate, Hudson estimates. That in turn will generate an additional $267 million a year in state and local taxes.
Many of those newly created jobs will be in the well-paying medical industry, which is particularly important in a state where the median household income had been dropping even before the recession hit. According to Custer’s analysis, 46,000 of those jobs will be created outside metro Atlanta, in areas where the health-care industry is barely hanging on because so many local residents do not have health insurance.
With the influx of federal money, rural hospitals that will otherwise be forced to close their doors would remain open. Those facilities will remain important economic generators for their communities, and they will also help to attract outside industry. Employers have little interest in locating in communities with no nearby hospital.
In addition, it should help lower health-insurance costs in general, because the rest of us won’t be paying for health care for the uninsured through our health-care premiums.
Most important, there’s the impact on those 620,000 Georgians. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, some 22 percent of Georgians are without health insurance, the seventh highest rate in the nation. Ideology won’t cover their medical bills. Partisan politics won’t pay their surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Deal explains his refusal in a couple of ways. His administration estimates that it will cost the state some $4.5 billion to participate in the program from 2014 to 2023. That’s more than twice as much as other estimates, but let’s accept it as valid. Using Deal’s numbers, Georgia is turning down an offer to match each state dollar with 10 dollars in federal funding. That 10-1 match is far more generous than other federal programs that Georgia scrambles to tap. Turning it down means that billions of tax dollars will be flowing out of Georgia to support health care in other states; none of it will be flowing back in.
You can also think of it purely in investment terms: Every year, Georgia gives away hundreds of millions of dollars through economic development efforts that have far more risk and considerably less return than this program.
According to Deal, he also fears that the federal government doesn’t have the resources to sustain the expanded program. But it’s curious how that logic isn’t applied to, say, the deepening of Savannah Harbor, where Deal and others are pleading for hundreds of millions of dollars from that very same federal government. Or to the billions of dollars in federal loan guarantees to build new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. Perhaps we should also discourage the location of the Army’s new CyberCommand to Fort Gordon near Augusta, where it iswould likely bring thousands of jobs.
ObamaCare isn’t going away. The Republicans have fought it all the way up to the Supreme Court, and they lost. They made its repeal a central part of their 2012 campaign, and they lost the presidential race, they lost Senate seats and they lost House seats. At some point, it’s time to accept reality.
– Jay Bookman
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338 comments Add your comment
TaxPayer
February 20th, 2013
3:06 pm
Even the ones who are math teachers and scientists?
A Republican teacher! Teachers especially should know what an oxymoron is although I would be inclined to make an exception for those faith-based “math” and “science” teachers given the appropriate re-definition of said terms. They could certainly be Republicans. Or even Libertarians.
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
3:08 pm
TP – Faith based science?…Like GCC?
Steve
February 20th, 2013
3:08 pm
I’d rather that poor residents have access to clinics for cheaper care than filling up emergency rooms and costing everyone more money in the long run. It really is that simple. Even better, single payer for all at 80% coverage – supplemental health insurance for those who want premium care.
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
3:09 pm
Erwin’s cat
February 20th, 2013
3:03 pm
Fred – You don’t know my sister in law……..
So, is she single?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Can you do better than a mansion by the Governors Mansion, Broadway openings, Elton John’s Oscar Parties, furniture factories in China, and all the money that goes with it? If so she could be. If not she won’t even look at you.
JamVet
February 20th, 2013
3:12 pm
Steve, good post.
We progressives and liberals have the better ideas for this country, pretty much across the board now. (Notwithstanding that the Republican-lite BHO implemented a version of RomneyCare to satisfy his corporate paymasters at Kaiser, BCBS, Aetna, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Merck.)
The con ideas are proven, stay the course, trickle down, perpetual war, corporations uber alles failures which explains why they are getting absolutely crushed three out of every four elections now. And from what I can tell, that trend seems to be for the foreseeable future.
They have become so delusional and perverse that they love saying that Americans, especially black Americans, are stupid and lazy mooches and that American women are sluts and prostitutes. (And Rush wants the videos.)
Unless and until they can shake off their insane Bush/Cheney and fascist demons – and I see absolutely NO willingness to do so at all – they will continue to get clobbered like they did last November.
Crank up the popcorn maker and enjoy the show! I am.
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
3:13 pm
If so she could be. If not she won’t even look at you.
As head cashier at trader joes, I’m sure she’ll see my potenial
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
3:14 pm
that’s “potential”
St Simons - he-ne-ha
February 20th, 2013
3:16 pm
oh hell no fred. I can’t watch stuff like that. i got 3 of em
hell, i have to talk myself outta blowing the causeway once/yr
Logical Dude
February 20th, 2013
3:16 pm
Peadawg: “Medicare for all. Subsidies for those that couldn’t afford it.” And just how in the world do you plan to pay for that?
Cuts do defense? I dunno, if Medicare’s solution is to raise the retirement age, I don’t see how the country can afford to include everyone in Medicare. Alas, hopefully someone can, because it’s looking like a better overall solution for the country.
Redcoat
February 20th, 2013
3:17 pm
Didn’t Obama sign that bill with the “sequester”?…..His “suggestion” too, and he says it’s a terrible idea……Shouldn’t he be saying.. we… had a bad idea?
TaxPayer
February 20th, 2013
3:19 pm
Faith-based science like the earth is some 6000 years old or similar such nonsense or like women can just shut down their ability to become pregnant if they’re being raped or like a Republican’s ability to pretend that the earth is not really getting warmer because that would create difficulties in their continued funding for stuff like proof that fracking could never ever introduce harmful chemicals into a water table. Stuff like that, Erwin. Anyway, tell me Erwin. Do you believe that the global temperature measurements demonstrate that the earth is getting warmer relative to a hundred or two hundred years ago? Do you believe the physics used to demonstrate that atmospheric CO2 actually reflects heat back to earth where it is subsequently absorbed and that this heat would otherwise escape into space barring the presence of any other atmospheric gases that would serve the same purpose? Come on, Erwin. Show me some of that engineering prowess. Make my day.
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
3:21 pm
St. Simon’s: Little girls are God’s punishment to folks like us who were shall we say, cavalier lads in our youth……….
deegee
February 20th, 2013
3:22 pm
I would much prefer a single payer system and let the private insurance companies compete for premium coverage, much like the way in which Medicare operates now. I have private insurance and am waiting 3 months for a hip replacement. It’s not like my standard of living is going to suffer if I have to wait for a procedure. I think that insurance companies provide a valuable service, but they shouldn’t dictate the country’s health care policy.
Brosephus™
February 20th, 2013
3:26 pm
Fred
I was told that God chooses those who can raise a girl to become a woman. It’s probably due to our youthful indiscretions, to back your point.
bman.
February 20th, 2013
3:26 pm
This Meebo thing won’t seem to go away and stay away. Mister Bookman, please ask the AJC Execs why they hate their readers
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
3:28 pm
Do you believe that the global temperature measurements demonstrate that the earth is getting warmer relative to a hundred or two hundred years ago?
I don’t believe the measurements are accurate enough to determine a proper amount of certainty
Do you believe the physics used to demonstrate that atmospheric CO2 actually reflects heat back to earth where it is subsequently absorbed and that this heat would otherwise escape into space barring the presence of any other atmospheric gases that would serve the same purpose?
Is that a run-on question?….Do you believe in the 1st law of thermodynamics?…how about the second?
That Black Guy
February 20th, 2013
3:28 pm
indigo
February 20th, 2013
12:45 pm
Anytime you think what I post is “make up crap” then, take you best shot and try to refute it.
_______________________________
indigo
February 20th, 2013
12:30 pm
So, the Governor decides to ignore the people and, instead, help Big Insurance keep the premiums high. – ACA was the bigest boom for the insurance companies. Who do you think lobbied and helped WRITE the bill?
Why would they do this, you ask? Because they just don’t want to vote for that Socialist, Marxist anti-American Democratic Party. – Maybe they don’t want to associate with people who insult them instead of ask what they think.
Why would they believe that, you ask? Because Rush, The NRA and their political idols have told them so. – Did you ask the people who voted for Deal if those you list told them to? What about the people who voted for Deal who DON’T listen to Rush, DON’T belong to the NRA, and DON’T have idols (naving earthly idols is against some peoples religion).
Looks like you just “made some crap up”.
Redcoat
February 20th, 2013
3:30 pm
TaxPayer….Doesn’t the sun go through cycles?…….Hasn’t the planet warmed before without man…….You think man can cool the planet?……funny
St Simons - he-ne-ha
February 20th, 2013
3:30 pm
is that what it is? well, he must be punishing the crap out of me.
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
3:39 pm
Well my Brother St Simons, they say God only gives you as much as you can handle. Don’t you wish he didn’t have so much faith in you?
Here is one to take you home is you have time. I have the surround sound on the computer so high that the curser is bouncing all over the screen lol. If you can crank it up and enjoy. Just remember:
In a place you only dream of, where your soul is always free
Silver stages, golden curtains, filled my head plain as could be
As a rainbow grew around the sun, all my stars above, who died
Came from somewhere beyond the scene you see
These lovely people played just for me
Now if I let you see this place where stories all ring true
Will you let me past your face to see what’s really you
It’s not for me I ask this question as though I were a king
For you have to love, believe and feel
Before the burst of tambourines take you there
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R82OM5tzcrk&list=PL6238A23AE00C8EF7&index=19
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
3:40 pm
“yeah, you know me…you down with entropy?”
Stephen “Yo Double D” Hawking
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
3:43 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bueZoYhUlg
I mean “MC Hawking”
JamVet
February 20th, 2013
3:44 pm
As cosmologist Stephen Hawking celebrates his 70th birthday he warns that climate change is one of a greatest threats posed to the future of human-kind and the world.
Call me crazy, but for some really odd reason I’m more inclined to believe him than say…………………. Rush Limbaugh.
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
3:47 pm
Jam – Steph and I don’t always agree…It really drives him nuts too
Redcoat
February 20th, 2013
3:53 pm
Mr. Vet……..it may be the greatest threat…..but man didn’t cause it, and since it has happened before, man can’t stop it either…..we are being scammed to give money to people who can do absolutely nothing to stop the planet from warming or to get it to cool……save your money…..survival in a changing world……
JamVet
February 20th, 2013
3:56 pm
cat, the MC vid was funny…
JamVet
February 20th, 2013
4:03 pm
Red, whatever floats your leaky boat.
Again, I’ll go with what the most the brilliant men on the planet, a countless number of experts in the science of climatology along with their prestigious institutions of unparalleled scientific discovery have to say on the matter, as opposed to Republican bloggers and Rush Limbaugh.
But hey, if you think he is the guy to follow, be my ghost…
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
4:17 pm
But hey, if you think he is the guy to follow, be my ghost…
I’ll be your Casper
Redcoat
February 20th, 2013
4:52 pm
Mr Vet……….I believe some in your world said we would be doomed if action wasn’t immediately taken……that was a decade ago……..they got some money and they are asking for more…….action they took?……a joke and a scam……your computer is causing global warming…right?……
TaxPayer
February 20th, 2013
4:58 pm
So apparently Erwin does not even trust the former denier’s assessment, the one funded by the Koch crooks, of the temperature data. Not too many people are still willing to claim that they do not believe the earth is warming. Interesting. As for the run-on sentence, I see where your focus is, Erwin. Or should I say lack of focus. The question I posed dealt with the ability of CO2 to allow radiation from the sun to pass through to warm the planet while also reflecting the longer wavelength radiation, emitted by the warmed earth, back to the earth. It’s a feedback mechanism and I asked if you understood how it worked. Do you, Erwin?
hamiltonAZ
February 20th, 2013
7:41 pm
There is no type of sane economic analysis that doesn’t conclude the Governor’s decision is absolutely horrible for the people of Georgia.
How many time will a man turn his head, pretending he just doesn’t see?
Vast Right Wing Conspiracy (aka "Knuckle-Dragger")
February 20th, 2013
8:30 pm
Gov. Deal will be considered “prescient”, “wise” and “far-sighted” in the near future as those that are as far away from emperornerocare as possible will be much better off.
1 Samuel 8:14 – 18 (excellent description of president food stamps)
Hey Libs, how is your paychecks looking now
February 20th, 2013
10:40 pm
Hey Libs,
Did you hear what Universal down in Orlando took away from the “part-time” workers? Health Insurance because of pending Obamacare!
Love it! Reality is setting in!!!!!
Bernie
February 20th, 2013
10:46 pm
Today Florida is the latest Republican led state to reverse its participation in the current Medicaid expansion program. Tt seems that the chickens are finally coming home to ROOST!
Gov. Deal will reverse his decision as well very soon. The State of Georgia is $350 million dollars in the RED in Medicaid funds. The Math in the financing will DEMAND that he does so!
hamiltonAZ
February 21st, 2013
1:31 am
So what is the ripple effect? Georgia comes ou of pocket 4.5 billion over 9 years while the state at the same time receives a little more than 40 billion infusion of money to create jobs, provide Christian samaritanism to the needy, and get back probably more than 4.5 billion in taxes and fees. (hospital bed tax? People with insurance will pay that, you know.)
Rabbit
February 21st, 2013
2:50 am
NYTimes columnist Thomas Friedman writes on the coming sequester struggle: “If I am right and enough Republicans meet Obama on a Grand Bargain, it would both split the G.O.P. between the sane conservatives and the certifiable crazies and give the president a real foundation for a truly significant second term.”
We must ask ourselves, on which side of the GOP split will Georgia’s leaders fall?
Bill Fanning
February 21st, 2013
3:07 pm
It is sad to see the nation rapidly heading for the bottom in math skils, but the column on denying 600,000 Georgians Health Insurance is certainly a vote for an even lower standing
Just where does Jay think the 40 billion in federal money will come from?
Will it be left by the Easter Bunny?
Will it given to Georgia from the personal funds of members of Congress?
I don’t think so, my own guess would be the taxpayers would “invest” the 40 billion.
We also have a documented state practice of being a donor state (the taxpayers send more to Washington than we get back in program funds, thus the odds are we would pay more than 40 billion in taxes to get 40 billion back
We could of course borroow this money, but then we would have to add interest to the bill. What a wonderful gift to bestow on our children and grandchildren. Let’s put them further behind so they will never have a chance to get out of debt!!!
The math skills of this opinion are on a par with a pile of rocks, with a slight lead by the pile of rocks.
Jobs? When you take as much out in taxes as you get in benfits, no net new jobs will be the result. Maybe some jobs in medical fields will happen, but at the cost of jobs in other sectors
Whoever roduced the original study should go back to math class, probably the elemetary level. Jay should spend a little time in checking the blatently obvious before writing a column using really bad and ill informed data.
Rabbit
February 21st, 2013
6:40 pm
“Just where does Jay think the 40 billion in federal money will come from?”
You’re right, Bill. It’ll probably come from taxes. Taxes that will be redirected from inefficient payment for uninsured health care in emergency rooms at 10 times the cost of primary care for the insured. It’ll probably come from taxes that won’t have to pay for health care that is mismanaged by the hodge-podge system we currently have.
It’ll come from taxes on wage earners who are able to access preventive care and work more days. Georgia’s governor will come around. Except for poor, clueless Rick Perry, all the holdout governors will probably come around because they know that “they are giving away billions of dollars, hurting their own low-income residents, and forcing taxpayers to subsidize Medicaid programs in other states but not their own.”