Commonwealth Fund June 30, 2021
Abstract
- Issue: As an alternative to expanding Medicaid in nonexpansion states, some policymakers propose expanding eligibility for marketplace premium tax credits to people below 100 percent of the poverty level.
- Goal: Explore three options for expanding eligibility for subsidized marketplace coverage. Option 1 uses the Affordable Care Act’s subsidy schedule prior to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Option 2 enhances subsidies at all incomes to match those in the ARPA. Option 3 enhances premium and cost-sharing subsidies. Each option also could increase the federal matching rate for Medicaid expansion enrollees to 100 percent.
- Methods: Assess coverage and cost impacts of each alternative using the Health Insurance Policy Simulation Model.
- Key Findings and Conclusions: Option 1 covers up to...