State analyzing higher claims for expanded Alaska Medicaid

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Costs for Alaska's expanded Medicaid program have exceeded first-year estimates by roughly $30 million so far, leaving some concerned about the impact the program may have on the state budget once the federal government stops covering the entire tab.

Gov. Bill Walker expanded Medicaid to provide coverage to thousands more lower-income Alaskans. Enrollment began last September, and as of July 31, nearly 20,400 people had signed up.

The federal government is expected to fully cover the health care expenses for the expansion enrollees through December; then, the state will start chipping in. The state share next year is expected to be 5 percent and grow to as much as 10 percent by 2020.

Under traditional Medicaid, the federal government funds half of most expenses, according to the state health department.

Read more: http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska_news/state-analyzing-higher-claims-for-expanded-alaska-medicaid/article_dec9934c-6fc5-11e6-affc-2b31d81eba1d.html