Op-Ed: And Now for the Good News, Medicaid Expansion is on Schedule

Although most press accounts about the rollout of federal healthcare reform in New Jersey have focused on computer glitches related to the online health insurance marketplace, one key component is running smoothly: the state’s online application for Medicaid coverage at njfamilycare.org.

Since most people who are expected to apply for coverage next year under the Affordable Care Act will be eligible for Medicaid, not the premium subsidies that will fuel the marketplace, this is an enormously important story that is not being told.

According to reports from the state, some counties, insurers and the navigators who help people find the insurance plans right for them, New Jersey’s Medicaid application process is working. Most very low-income adults (for example a single person earning less than $15,856 annually) who were not eligible for Medicaid in the past can sign up now for coverage that starts January 1. A single person making more than that but less than $45,960 will be eligible for premium subsidies to help him or her afford private health coverage through the marketplace.

It may make sense for New Jerseyans without health insurance to apply online for Medicaid now if they believe they are eligible. If they are not, the state will transfer their application to the federal marketplace to determine if they are eligible for premium subsidies.

Read more at NJSpotlight.com