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North Dakota Medicaid Expansion Brings Back Patients, Saves Lives

An eager reader forwards this article showing how Medicaid expansion is good for Dakota people... North Dakota people, that is:

The company providing coverage for North Dakota's Medicaid expansion told state lawmakers Wednesday that many residents who haven't seen a doctor in years are doing so now.

Lisa Carlson, director of Planning and Regulation for Sanford Health, told the Health Care Reform Review Committee that some residents hadn't been seeking treatment for cancer and other diseases because of the lack of money.

..."Nurses are finding great fulfillment with many 'bless yous' and notes of thanks from individuals who were not getting care due to their lack of financial resources," Carlson told the panel [James MacPherson, "North Dakota Medicaid Expansion Leads Some Residents to Seek Long-Delayed Health Care," AP via TribTown.com, 2014.05.14].

Some North Dakota pharmacists are unhappy that they aren't being paid enough. But some people also aren't dead.

North Dakota's experience fits what Dr. Kevin Weiland told us he's seen in his practice in Rapid City. He knows former patients who couldn't afford to come see him because their pre-existing conditions made it impossible for them to get insurance. Now, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, those patients can get coverage and come back to Kevin to get fixed up.

All of this reminds us that part of the reason the Affordable Care Act makes the economy and Medicare stronger (Mike Rounds!) is that it helps people get medical treatment before they get really, really sick. Help workers see the doctor while spending less on insurance, and they can work more, earn more income, and spend more of that income on cool stuff other than medical bills. Keep workers healthier, and when they retire, they'll be carting around fewer costly chronic conditions that would drive up Medicare costs.

North Dakota shows that expanding Medicaid is a win-win-win-tiny lose for pharmacists who want to make more money. South Dakota, let's get with the program!

19 Comments

  1. Steve Sibson 2014.05.16

    "spend more of that income on cool stuff other than medical bills."

    Like alcohol, cigarettes, illegal drugs, prostitutes.

  2. Jerry 2014.05.16

    You seem to be in the know about the getting high stuff there Mr. Sibson, proves my point.

  3. Nick Nemec 2014.05.16

    Interesting argument Steve, keep wages low because if we increase your wages you will just spend it on stupid stuff. I prefer to trust individuals to spend their money as they see fit.

  4. Jerry 2014.05.16

    Marty, bless his heart, he loves to go to Washington on our dime to dream of the day when his time comes to hang around with the lobbyists and talk like a big shot. What a goof ball.

  5. Kal Lis 2014.05.16

    I believe the point Steve is making is people should spend money on guns, books that promote conspiracy theories, and memberships in organization that believe the UN is the anti-Christ.

  6. lesliengland 2014.05.16

    news alert- republican party pivots from health care act, attacks madville times.

  7. caheidelberger Post author | 2014.05.16

    Non-unique, Sibby. You could make that argument about any proposed stimulus: "Oh, geez, we can't cut taxes! People will buy more booze and porn!"

    Jackley's new suit: good grief! Just keep pushing money and health care away.

  8. Steve Sibson 2014.05.16

    "I prefer to trust individuals to spend their money as they see fit."

    Is it really their money if they covet their healthcare services from their rich neighbors?

  9. Steve Sibson 2014.05.16

    "the UN is the anti-Christ"

    The UN is more likely to be the Beast, not the anti-Christ.

  10. Roger Cornelius 2014.05.16

    Steve,

    If a farmer receives a farm subsidy, let's say $70,926, just because big brother tell him how he has to spend it? In addition not to be able to purchase alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes should they be prevented from Cadillac's, Lincoln's, computers, flat screen tvs, and other luxury items?

  11. caheidelberger Post author | 2014.05.16

    ...and pee in a cup, Roger. Don't forget drug-testing for recipients of government assistance. Can't trust any of 'em.

    Leslie, if they're shooting, I'm not feeling the hits. But bring it on! I'm ready. (Having facts on one's side is an immense confidence booster.)

  12. Roger Cornelius 2014.05.16

    Forgot the pee in the cup, Cory. Oh well, Bosworth has that as one of the memes on her Facebook page.

  13. Lanny V Stricherz 2014.05.17

    Steve Sibson, I am new to this blog since you apparently left, (I say that because grudz referred to you often in the first few months that I read this blog.) Out of curiosity, are you grudz's son or grandson?

  14. lesliengland 2014.05.19

    it just seems the tsrians(sic), beals, sibsons, ect. are operating from a concerted campaign to side track madville discussions

  15. Lanny V Stricherz 2014.05.19

    I might agree with you on Sibson and Beal, and possibly even throw in grudznick but there is no way that I can agree on Tsitrian. John is also a blogger and comes closer to Cory's posts than anyone on the right. He is non partisan IMHO and that is more than I can say for most posters on here or any other blog, and than most bloggers. Not that he needs me to defend him.

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