Medicaid expansion could boost number of Ind. jobs

A report issued by the Indiana Hospital Association claimed an expansion of Indiana’s Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act might generate up to $3.4 billion in state economic activity and finance 30,000 jobs through 2020.

If Indiana chooses to opt for the expansion, it would provide the state with more than $10 billion in federal funding. The expansion would also allow for more than 406,000 residents to receive health coverage, according to a press release.

“Expanding coverage in Indiana would benefit all Hoosiers,” IHA President Doug Leonard said in the release. “This report demonstrates the positive impact that extending coverage would bring to our state’s economy and the overall health of our communities.”

According to the IHA report, the coverage expansion would bridge the gap for adults living in poverty. If the state does not go through with the expansion, thousands of Hoosiers could be barred from obtaining tax credits to purchase coverage in a health insurance exchange and will be unable to enroll in Medicaid, according to the release.

— Michael Majchrowicz