Democrats Look to States to Expand Medicare Coverage

Democrat lawmakers are looking to state governments to broaden Medicare coverage in 2019 amid a polarized Congress, reports the Washington Times . California Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom supports a single-payer system, while Colorado Gov.-elect Jared Polis aims to consolidate insurance rating zones into one statewide zone so rural regions have reduced premiums. Colorado also is looking into the potential benefits of a Medicaid buy-in scheme. Meanwhile, New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham will look to revive a Medicaid buy-in plan. "I think 2019 will hatch some of the ideas in states that could end up becoming great models for federal policy," said Obama-era public insurance program supervisor Andy Slavitt. Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino (D-N.M.) intends to propose a bill in the coming session to extend Medicaid coverage to up to 50,000 residents. "We need to be aware that some versions of expanding coverage actions may require federal approval," acknowledged Adam Fox with the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. "And based on recent changes to federal guidance, that may be more challenging than it would have been a year ago or under a different administration."