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Should Colorado expand Medicaid per ObamaCare? No.

At Forbes, Grace-Marie Turner gives Colorado officials reason not to expand Medicaid:

One of the most tragic failings of ObamaCare is that it will make it harder for many of the most vulnerable citizens – patients with no option but Medicaid – to get care.

Medicaid is cumbersome, complex, and wasteful – already the worst health care program in the country. But rather than making changes to improve or modernize this program designed to finance care for the poor, the Obama administration is trying to convince states to add at least 16 million more people to Medicaid, including families making more than $30,000 a year. …

Studies consistently show that Medicaid patients have the worst health outcomes of any group in America, worse than those with private insurance and, in some cases, worse than those with no insurance. …

Despite these many problems, many states are tempted and are seriously considering whether to accept the generous 100 percent federal matching money ObamaCare initially offers if they expand eligibility for Medicaid up to 138 percent of poverty (more than $32,000 for a family of four).

But states should be warned:  It’s likely a loss leader.  There are no assurances that Washington would be able to keep its promise to continue the generous funding.

There already is evidence that could be the administration’s plan. …

There is a better way:  Allow people on Medicaid the option of private insurance so they can get coverage through private competing plans. Florida has a successful model underway. These plans could provide much better access to physicians, coordinate care for patients with multiple health problems, and allow patients to be seen in doctors’ offices rather than in expensive hospital emergency rooms.Patients would have the dignity of private coverage, and safety-net hospitals will be able to keep their doors open so they can continue their mission of caring for the poorest and neediest in our society.

via The Real Tragedy Of ObamaCare Has Yet To Be Felt By The Poor – Forbes.