Right now Politico has as one of its top stories "Medicaid gap leaves haves, have-nots."
It is an attempt at an analysis on how various people fare in a state that will expand Medicaid (New Mexico) and one that will not (Texas).
Unfortunately the writer made a rather horrible error that only adds to the confusion about the Affordable Care Act.
Hughes just started a new home repair business. It’s hard for him to know exactly what his family will earn, but he estimates it will be just above or below $31,590— the income requirement for a family of six to get tax subsidies next year. If he’s below it, he’ll remain uninsured. If his new business lets him cross over into a slightly higher income bracket, he may be able to get some help in the exchange.
The writer was referring to a Texas man who does not qualify for Medicaid because the state won't expand it.
But she messed it up by suggesting that he makes too LITTLE (apparently) to qualify for the health insurance exchange subsidy.
Anyway what a mess.
Thanks a lot Politico.
For the record, I am going on the health insurance exchange Jan. 1 and as a single person I will get a nice subsidy with my income of $44,000.
A family of six making $31,500 will sadly be out of luck for Medicaid expansion in Texas.
But they can probably get health insurance for very little with the exchange subsidies.
Look, I appreciate Politico pointing out the issue of the coming "Insured States" and "Uninsured States" divide the Republicans insist on.
The article does make it clear that a lot of lower income working people are going to be screwed in Red States.
But I wish they had gotten it right on the subsidy part.