NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) –
Thousands of Louisiana residents without health insurance can begin applying for coverage through the state’s expanded Medicaid program later this week. It is designed to help the working poor.
“I’m still sick, so I definitely need health care,” said Pastor Christiana Ford, of House of Faith Non-Denominational Ministry in New Orleans.
She tried to buy coverage on her own through the federal healthcare.gov marketplace, but faced financial obstacles.
“I went to that website and I couldn’t afford that insurance because I wasn’t making enough money.” said Ford.
It is not that she does not work.
“I work two jobs,” Ford stated.
June 1, Ford and others who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid coverage, but too little to buy coverage on their own will have the opportunity to make application for insurance.
It is possible because soon after being sworn in, Governor John Bel Edwards signed an executive order which authorized the expansion of eligibility for Medicaid in Louisiana, something provided for in the federal Affordable Care Act. It is estimated the program will benefit to 300,000 to 400,000 people in this state.
“What we have had is a
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