So, how much would it cost the states to implement an expansion of Medicare so that every eligible citizen is covered? It has been estimated that it would cost as much as $600 billion over the next decade!
The hit on some states could be staggering, to the point that it would actually slow down the U.S. economic recovery. California couldn't afford it, that's fer sure! Apparently the Senate plans that are being discussed would force some states to "expand Medicaid eligibility to 150 percent of the poverty level". And the increased costs shifting to states after five years? This plan is going to be causing some already over-stretched state governors to panic! "Laffer's report also addresses a critical angle that has been largely missing from the debate so far: what effect these proposals would have on the various states. As his research found, a larger government role in health care would impose a huge budget burden on Texas..." Read more: 'Federal health care reform would cost Texas dearly' By Arlene Wohlgemuth San Antonio Express-News, September 11, 2009 http://tinyurl.com/kn9fvl "Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, which is experiencing grievous budget problems, said the bill must not foist new costs on states..." 'Public insurer support fading' By Lisa Wangsness Boston Globe, September 14, 2009 http://tinyurl.com/leywkv
