According to a new poll commissioned by Alabama Arise, more than 70% of Alabamians support expanding access to Medicaid in the state, with nearly 69%, including 61.8% of Republican voters, supporting the use of a portion of the state’s $2 billion under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to pay for it.
The overwhelming bipartisan support reflects an ever-growing group of individuals and organizations including veterans, faith leaders, medical professionals and businesses supporting the idea of expanding Medicaid in Alabama when told about the economic benefits.
In a recent report from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) entitled The Economic Impact of Expanding Medicaid in Alabama, data from the report shows Medicaid expansion will lead to the creation of jobs and give a boost to local economies across the state.
The report found that expanding Medicaid coverage in Alabama could save the state almost $400 million per year over the next six years, more than enough to cover the cost of expansion, and would cost an average of $225.4 million per year.
The poll of 631 likely voters across Alabama responded strongly when told expanding Medicaid would create an average of 20,000 new jobs per year over the next six years with an economic impact of $1.8 billion per year.
The state could expand coverage, and at the same time reduce or reinvest the amount paid to support health care for low-income Alabamians by $172 million annually, PARCA found.
The report also found that expansion would lead to the federal government covering $379.9 million in annual expenses now paid by the state.
Jane Adams, Cover Alabama campaign director at Alabama Arise, said the poll results underscore Alabama’s urgent need for Medicaid expansion.
“Voters support Medicaid expansion because it is a tremendous opportunity to create jobs, protect rural hospitals and provide life-saving care,” Adams said. “This poll shows Medicaid expansion is no longer a partisan issue and that most Alabamians support expanding Medicaid coverage to adults with low incomes.”
Alabama Arise, who commissioned the poll conducted by Montgomery-based Cygnal in January, is a statewide, member-led organization advancing public policies to improve the lives of Alabamians marginalized by poverty.
They are part of the Cover Alabama Coalition, a nonpartisan alliance of 114 advocacy groups, businesses, community organizations, consumer groups, health care providers, and religious congregations advocating for quality, affordable healthcare coverage to more than 340,000 Alabama residents who fall into the health coverage gap.
Adams said ARPA funding and other federal incentives make Medicaid expansion an opportunity too good for Alabama to pass up.
“Governor Ivey and leaders in Montgomery have said the obstacle to expanding Medicaid in Alabama is the cost. But with the American Rescue Plan Act funding, Alabama can expand Medicaid and could reinvest more than $170 million in state funding to provide more access to care,” Adams said.
“Public support is strong, and the report and polling data show there is no financial barrier or obstacle to overcome. We urge Governor Ivey and leaders in Montgomery to put forward a Medicaid expansion plan that is tailored to the needs of Alabamians.”
The Cygnal poll is based on interviews of known registered voters via live phone calls, an online panel, texts and email invitation. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.85%.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
