ACA Medicaid Expansion - Where States Stand June 2013

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) called for a nationwide expansion of Medicaid, set to begin in 2014. However, Medicaid expansion was one of the provisions at stake in the ACA cases decided by the Supreme Court in June 2012. The Supreme Court upheld Medicaid expansion, but limited the federal government’s ability to penalize states that don’t comply. So, while Medicaid expansion was originally mandatory for states, it is now optional.

If a state participates in Medicaid expansion, nearly all residents under age 65 with family incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) will qualify for Medicaid in 2014. That's the equivalent to $15,415 for an individual in 2012 or $26,344 for a family of three.

Medicaid Expansion Update by State

So, where do the states stand? As of June 20, 2013:

• 30 states support
• 15 states oppose
• 6 states weighing options

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), there is no deadline for states to implement Medicaid expansion.