AL HJR176

Urges Governor Robert Bentley to expand Medicaid in Alabama under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to enhance access to health care and promote economic activity.

Identifies Alabama health disparities including 20 percent more emergency room visits than national average, 11.8 percent diabetes rate (fourth highest nationally), second lowest life expectancy, and 9.5 infant mortality deaths per 1,000 live births (third highest).

Estimates 300,000 additional Alabamians would become eligible for Medicaid under expansion to 133 percent of federal poverty level, with federal government paying 100 percent for three years starting in 2014, declining to 95 percent in 2017 and 90 percent by 2020.

Projects expansion would cost the state $771 million but generate over $1.7 billion in additional state tax revenues from 2014 through 2020, resulting in a net gain of $935 million plus nearly $20 billion in total economic activity statewide.

Directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to Governor Bentley expressing the Legislature's support for Medicaid expansion.