A recent survey by
Lansing-based EPIC-MRA showed that 60 percent of Michigan voters favor
expanding Medicaid to cover individuals with income up to 133 percent of the
federal poverty level. Support increases
for the expansion when respondents were asked about instituting potential
personal responsibility reforms (i.e. co-pays) to the Medicaid program.
The poll also highlighted
political differences among respondents. According to the survey, Democrats
tend to support Medicaid expansion; whereas, Republicans are likely to oppose
it. The survey of 600 voters has a margin error of plus or minus four
percentage points.
Gov. Rick Snyder wants to
expand Medicaid through the federal Affordable Care Act; however, the
Republican-controlled House did not include this provision in its budget plan. Sen.
John Moolenaar, chair of the Senate Appropriations
Department of Community Health, is working with Senate leadership on the
Medicaid expansion issues.