Should NH repeal expanded Medicaid?

Rep. JR Hoell is sponsoring a bill to repeal New Hampshire’s expanded Medicaid program, known as the New Hampshire Health Protection Program. 

The program gives more low income residents access to Medicaid benefits, but enrolls those individuals in private insurance whenever possible.

New Hampshire’s expanded Medicaid program is mostly funded through the federal government as part of the Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”).  New Hampshire provides additional funds for the program through the premium tax paid by insurance companies.

Right now New Hampshire’s expanded Medicaid eligibility is scheduled to end December 31, 2018.  Rep. Hoell’s bill, HB 638, repeals the program this year.  

Those who favor a repeal argue that the Medicaid expansion offers welfare to able-bodied adults who do not need government handouts.  They also note that the program is dependent on federal funding.  Congress and President Trump could cut that funding, leaving New Hampshire taxpayers with a huge bill and thousands of New Hampshire residents without insurance.

Supporters of the program note that more than 47,000 New Hampshire residents have access to affordable health care thanks to expanded Medicaid eligibility.  In particular, New Hampshire’s expanded Medicaid program provides coverage for critical substance abuse treatment.  Since adopting expanded Medicaid, the New Hampshire Municipal Association states that cities and towns have seen a decrease in local welfare assistance.

Do you think New Hampshire should repeal its expanded Medicaid program in 2017?  Share your opinion in the comments.