LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A study by two University of Nebraska at Kearney professors says the state would see economic benefits if Medicaid coverage was expanded to cover more low-income residents.
The study by economics professor Allan Jenkins and management professor Ron Konecny says Nebraska would avoid at least $1 billion in silent taxes, medical-related bankruptcies, unnecessary state spending and reduced consumer spending power over five years.
The state would receive $2.1 billion in federal funding over five years.
Lawmakers are scheduled to debate a new Medicaid expansion bill on Wednesday. Two previous efforts to pass similar measures have failed, and it's likely to face resistance again this year.
The report was commissioned by the Nebraska Hospital Association and AARP Nebraska, which support the bill.
The bill is LB472.
Copyright 2015. The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.