AL HJR308

Expresses intent of Democratic members of the Legislature urging Governor Kay Ivey to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Cites findings from the Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force (created April 6, 2015) identifying a health coverage gap as the primary obstacle to improving healthcare access and affordability for Alabamians.

Projects that Medicaid expansion would provide low-cost health insurance to approximately 185,000 working Alabamians and generate an estimated $1.7 billion per year in new revenue for state health care providers and $1.2 billion in new income to the broader state economy.

Identifies specific benefits including improved chronic disease management, prevention of rural hospital closures (5 have closed since 2011 with 45% of remaining operating at a loss), increased physician retention in underserved areas, and coverage for approximately 18,000 uninsured Alabama veterans and their spouses.

Directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to Governor Kay Ivey to communicate the strong sentiment of Democratic legislative members on this issue.