OPINION: Missouri Medicaid expansion supporters say Oklahoma is a template for voter approval

Jul. 8--Supporters of Medicaid expansion in Missouri expressed confidence Wednesday that voters will approve the proposal August 4.

Jack Cardetti, who has helped organize the campaign for Amendment 2, says the recent success of Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma suggests broad support for the idea here.

Amendment 2 was placed on the ballot by initiative petition. It would amend Missouri's constitution to require participation in the Medicaid expansion authorized by the Affordable Care Act.

The proposal would expand coverage to Missourians too poor for health insurance on the federal exchange but earning too much to qualify for regular Medicaid.

Elias Tsapelas of the Show-Me Institute said expansion would cost Missourians, and all taxpayers, more than they expect. The Institute has not taken a position on the issue, but has been broadly critical of Medicaid expansion in the past.

The two men were guests on the "4Star Politics" web program. Wednesday's edition also includes a roundtable discussion of the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Kansas, and the fundraising success of Democrat Barbara Bollier.

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