Analysis finds Medicaid expansion will benefit veterans

{mosads}”Many people assume all veterans have access to health coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs, but that’s not the case,” said Andy Hyman of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which released the report.

“Expanding Medicaid will go a long way toward ensuring that those who put their lives on the line for our country have access to the healthcare they need and deserve,” Hyman said.

States can choose whether or not to expand their Medicaid programs with mostly federal dollars as a result of last year’s Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act, which made the expansion optional.

Fourteen GOP governors have refused to pursue the expansion, citing cost concerns, while 25 states and the District of Columbia have opted in.

Another three states are leaning against not participating, while two are leaning toward it, according to the Advisory Board Company.