Now that 300,000 folks on AHCCCS, and all the children enrolled in the SCHIP program in Arizona, have been saved from the chopping block thanks to the new federal health care plan, Arizona faces an additional $11.6 billion dollars in debt over the next decade. Immediately though is the question of what to do with a $400 million shortfall in our budget once again due to these programs being saved. https://higginscompanies.com/health-insurance/medicare-supplement/
Here is the problem, the new federal health insurance law does not allow Arizona to lower eligibility requirements of the SCHIP and AHCCCS programs, or by doing so risk losing federal Medicaid monies all together. Because Arizona cannot lower benefits now, it leaves the state with little wiggle room in tough financial times to cut expenses. Furthermore, because Arizona, and every other state, will operate a sizable chunk of the new federal program, it is believed that each state will face billions in additional unfunded costs.
Arizona, the state with the highest debt ratio, has now had it’s hands tied when trying to cut expenses relating to health insurance. Adding insult to injury is the fact that Arizona health insurance companies must now accept all uninsured children with pre-existing conditions. This fact alone will raise medical insurance premiums for everyone. Arizonans face higher taxes such as the new food tax to help pay off our debt. We also face higher health insurance premiums now that parents may add their children to their insurance plan whenever the kids become ill or injured, and dropping them from coverage when feeling better. Lastly, we face much higher long term debt due to health care reform.
The new national health care reform bill is supposed to lower our costs relating to Arizona health insurance. I have a feeling this bill is going to be a very expense way to save money.
Michael Higgins
602.405.8769