Rep. Schor offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 17.   

            A resolution to urge the Governor to accept increased Medicaid funding available under the Affordable Care Act.

            Whereas, The federal Affordable Care Act contains provisions that allow states to expand their Medicaid program to cover additional individuals. The Supreme Court ruling on June 28, 2012, upheld most of the provisions of the law, except the fiscal penalty for states that do not expand Medicaid to populations under 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL); and

            Whereas, In Michigan, over 600,000 uninsured adults would be eligible for Medicaid if the state opts to participate in the expansion offered under the Affordable Care Act. According to projections in a House Fiscal Agency memorandum, the state would save about $200 million in the first year. New federal revenue to the state would range from $1.9 billion to $2.2 billion per year over a ten-year period, for a total of over $20.5 billion; and

            Whereas, Medicaid expansion also has the potential to offer much needed fiscal relief to hospitals who bear the financial burden of uncompensated care for the uninsured. It is estimated that coverage for approximately one-third of Michigan’s uninsured would be provided by Medicaid expansion with a projected reduction of $300 million in uncompensated care costs.  This funding could provide much needed fiscal stabilization for Michigan hospitals; and

            Whereas, Michigan has an opportunity to provide health security that can improve the lives of thousands of Michigan residents in a cost effective way. This substantial federal investment can reap additional benefits by providing a sorely needed stimulus to Michigan’s economy; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Governor to accept increased Medicaid funding available to states under the Affordable Care Act; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health.