Granite State Times

Three democratic U.S. senators have reintroduced the State Public Option Act to allow states to create a Medicaid buy-in program for all residents, regardless of income. 

"The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need to expand access to high-quality and affordable health care coverage to all Americans," U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) told InsuranceNewsNet.com. "My bill with Senators Schatz and Lujan would create a public health care option by allowing residents to enroll in their state's Medicaid program, providing flexibility for families, while also lowering costs. I'll keep fighting for policies and legislation that ensure every Granite Stater can afford the access to the care that they need."

Medicaid also gives states the flexibility to adapt services and models of care. More than 30 million people remain uninsured in the U.S., according to InsuranceNewsNet.com.

Shaheen, as well as U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-New Mexico), reintroduced the legislation on Aug. 11.

At least 18 states are exploring implementing a public option within their legislatures, according to InsuranceNewsNet.com. 

Medicaid is a popular program with a large provider network, which provides health coverage at a much lower cost. According to estimates of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), over 75 million people were enrolled in Medicaid in 2019.