A new study out of the University of Michigan found that the state’s Medicaid expansion has had a positive impact on residents.
Researchers surveyed over four-thousand enrollees of Healthy Michigan and found nearly half said their health improved after enrolling.
Renuka Tipirneni is the study's lead author. She says enrollees in Healthy Michigan reported improved job performance after getting healthcare.
“When we looked at those who were employed, almost half of the enrollees we looked at were employed, almost 70% of them said the Healthy Michigan plan helped them do a better job at work.”
Tipirneni said it is important to understand the program’s impact.
“As states consider whether to consider whether to expand Medicaid or whether to include a work requirement in Medicaid, which is something our state is currently pursuing, it’s important to consider what the current impact of that coverage is and what the pros and cons might be to the state.”
A follow-up study will look at how much more enrollees visited doctors offices after being enrolled.