Representative
Chris Tuck
I’m Here for You
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share your thoughts, voice
your opinion. Together we
will make a difference.
February 16, 2015
Medicaid Expansion will Save Alaska Money
Plan will also Create Jobs and Grow the Economy
Dear Neighbors,
I am grateful Governor Walker has decided to reverse the decision of the previous Administration and expand eligibility for the Medicaid program to an estimated 49,910 low-income Alaskans.
Rep. Chris Tuck was recently visited in his Juneau office by Adam Zeigler, AnnaBell Stevens, and Grace Harrington with the Alaska Food Coalition to discuss hunger issues.
According to an economic impact study and other information recently released by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, expanding Medicaid will actually save Alaska millions of dollars and will also create jobs and grow the economy. Studies project that over the next seven years Medicaid expansion in Alaska would likely yield:
• $1.1 billion in new federal revenue
• 4,000 new jobs
• $1.2 billion more in wages and salaries
• $2.49 billion in increased economic activity throughout the state
Medicare expansion facts:
• Alaskans who will be eligible for Medicaid though the expansion live in all areas of the state. The benefits will affect all populations, regions, and sectors of the economy.
• According to a presentation by Jonathan King of Northern Economics at the Governor’s transition conference, the state’s economy is headed for recession and Medicaid expansion is one of the few bright spots that could mitigate that recession.
• State and general fund savings are projected to be $6.1 million in fiscal year 2016 and increase in the years following.
• The state will be able to offset costs of expansion by reducing the amount it currently spends on individuals who will become eligible for Medicaid, such as incarcerated individuals.
• Total state expenditures for the Medicaid expansion over 2016-2021 are estimated to be $90.7 million. In turn, $1.1 billion in new federal funds will be generated in the state.
• The expansion would reduce the number of uninsured Alaskans by half.
I support the Governor in his efforts to do the right thing by Alaskans by finding common sense solutions to the problems we face while holding the line on the budget. Medicaid expansion is supported by organizations like the Alaska State and Anchorage Chambers of Commerce, United Way, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association. I hope my colleagues will join me in backing the Governor.
As always, I’m here for you, so please keep in touch on matters important to you and your family!
Warm regards,
![[signed] Chris Tuck](../../images/signatures/46.gif)
Chris Tuck
Alaska State Representative
District 23 - Anchorage