08.05.2020 / Press Release

A Victory for Our Families: Missouri is Expanding Medicaid!

August 5, 2020– Yesterday, Missouri residents voted on Amendment 2, a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid. The People’s voice was heard and 230,000 Missourians now will have access to health insurance and the care and financial security it provides. 

In addition to providing much-needed coverage, Medicaid expansion also offers an effective way to jump-start Missouri’s economy, holding the promise of creating more than 16,000 jobs, boosting economic output by $2.5 billion, and saving the state $1 billion – once state leaders implement the initiative.  To call attention to the benefits of expansion, Families USA and Missouri Health Care for All released a video analysis explaining the ways Medicaid will help the state.  

“Missourians have been beating the drum in support of Medicaid expansion for a decade. Today, we are celebrating because our hard-working neighbors will finally have access to high quality, affordable coverage,” said Jen Bersdale, Executive Director of Missouri Health Care for All. “Now that Missouri voters have spoken, we will get to work ensuring that our elected officials implement this as soon as possible so Missourians can get the care they need and deserve.” 

“Currently, Missouri has one of the most restrictive Medicaid programs in the country, leaving out hundreds of thousands of low-income adults,” said Joe Weissfeld, Families USA’s Director of Medicaid Initiatives. “Missourians went to the ballot box and demanded change. Because of this vote, 230,000 Missourians will have access to lifesaving screenings and treatments.  This victory, alongside the recent vote in Oklahoma, shows the popular support and importance of the Medicaid program in our country’s heartland.”