This week I am tempted to write about the absurdity presented by our (sadly) most famous Alaskan. However, I'm going to let that fly past and spit the hook to focus on state policies, since for the most part that is what affects us most. The legislative session has begun and Gov. Walker has given his state of the state address. Bills have been filed and we're off to the races.
Sen. Pete Kelly, a Republican from Fairbanks, has a cranky about the media in Alaska. Frankly, I share some of his concerns. The television media positions are too often an audition to work for politicians or oil companies. I don't think that's Mr. Kelly's beef. Sir, your party is lucky that there isn't a big enough media circus to cover how your policies have historically and currently hurt Alaska. I'm not a "journalist," just a mere columnist, but I vow to report on your sound bite addiction and your lack of focus on what your job is.
With the budget getting most of the attention, just about everyone missed a very important report about Medicaid expansion that was quietly released by the Legislature. This report was commissioned by the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Hawker, to assess Medicaid expansion in Alaska. You know, the expansion that was going to bring us all to our knees as the result of having more Alaskans with access to health care. A couple of stunning things: First, despite being commissioned by legislators vehemently opposed to Medicaid expansion, the report can only be described as a full-throated support for Medicaid expansion. And second -- and I really probably shouldn't be surprised at this -- despite the Legislative majorities' authorizing $350,000 for this consultant to issue this report and consult on this issue, note the utter silence and failure of them to even acknowledge that this report exists.
Their silence can only be attributed to the fact that this report debunks virtually every myth and bogus talking point put out by the Koch brothers' Alaskans for Prosperity. The myth that this program will explode the numbers of Alaskans seeking traditional Medicaid coverage -- called the "woodwork effect"? According to the report, more people actually come out of the woodwork in states that did not expand Medicaid.
The myth that Medicaid expansion will "crowd out" and actually hurt medical providers? Not happening. The report notes: "We have not been aware of situations where providers have been harmed by Medicaid expansion. To the contrary, Medicaid expansion brings a large infusion of new revenue to the provider community."
The myth that expanding Medicaid expansion is bad for Alaskans? Blown to pieces. In fact, the report found that before Medicaid expansion, Alaskans through their federal taxes were paying $90 million that was going to other states. Now, with Medicaid expansion, Alaska will go from a loss of $90 million per year to an annual net gain of $170 million per year. Not to mention the tremendous benefits to Alaska's low-income population that the report says "are significant and in our view justify making a considerable state fund investment if necessary."
Sure, it will cost the state some money to administer this program. But the federal government reimburses us at least 90 percent. And the returns, according to the report, are "significant" and "of great benefit to Alaska's economy."
Big savings are also identified in the report. For example, before Medicaid expansion, the state was required to pay for people in jail who needed medical care. With Medicaid expansion, most of this $3 million per year will be picked up by the feds. The report suggests using more generic drugs for a savings of more than $5 million per year. Create a care coordination program -- savings of $4 million per year. Work to establish tribal health nursing facilities -- savings of $20 million per year.
My dear Alaskans, we are at a crossroads where a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken is more expensive than a barrel of oil. Think about that. Either we get into the chicken business or we start getting our fair share for our resource. It's the same old story, year after year, but had our voices been heard a few years ago by the Legislature we wouldn't be in this mess.
If only Sarah Palin was referring to Alaska legislators when she said, "In fact it's time to drill, baby, drill down, and hold these folks accountable." I'm game. Crispy or extra crispy?
Shannyn Moore is a radio broadcaster.
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