Harrisburg – June 30, 2013 – Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) released the following statement after the Senate passed Medicaid expansion language as a part of the Welfare Code legislation:
“The expansion of Medicaid is a win for Pennsylvania. It is responsible, meaningful and good public policy. The expansion will improve the lives of so many who need help. It will permit more than a half a million Pennsylvania citizens to gain access to health care.
“Medicaid expansion makes fiscal sense. It is fully paid for by the federal government for the first three years and it will generate significant budget savings for Pennsylvania. The expansion will save an estimated $150 million the first year and create significant additional savings in years to come.
“The expansion of the program has been a priority for Senate Democrats for many months. Senate Democrats traveled the state to learn how the program expansion will help citizens from all walks of life. We recognized its value and worked with Senate Republicans to craft language that was acceptable.
“I am very pleased that the language was approved with bi-partisan support and I am hopeful that the House will endorse the plan.”
According to independent estimates Medicaid expansion will create 35,000 to 40,000 jobs and inject $4 billion into our economy and will provide an important economic boost.
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