More on the "Fallout" for states opposed to Medicaid Expansion

From AP today, there's a pretty in-depth article about the consequences of ignoring Medicaid expansion. At Cottonmouth, we've covered this a lot, but this is an exceptional job in explaining the lengths of hardheadedness that states like Mississippi are going in order to avoid it. I suggest you read it all. 

A few facts that will really make you want to pull your hair out:

States that don't expand Medicaid leave more businesses exposed to tax penalties, according to a recent study by Brian Haile, Jackson Hewitt's senior vice president for tax policy. He estimates the fines could top $1 billion a year in states refusing.

...

Under the health law, U.S. citizens below the poverty line - $11,490 for an individual, $23,550 for a family of four - can only get coverage through the Medicaid expansion. But lawfully present immigrants who are also below the poverty level are eligible for subsidized private insurance...It could create the perception that citizens are being disadvantaged versus immigrants.

 ...

Under the law, U.S. citizens below the poverty line can only get taxpayer-subsidized coverage by going into Medicaid. But other low-income people making just enough to put them over the poverty line can get subsidized private insurance through the new state markets.

An individual making $11,700 a year would be able to get a policy. But someone making $300 less would be out of luck, dependent on charity care at the emergency room.

The article also features Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and his Republican legislature, and their ability to reach compromise in order to protect hard-working citizens.

What a novel idea.