The Affordable Care Act enabled states to expand coverage to adults up to what percent of the federal poverty level?

The Affordable Care Act enabled states to expand coverage to adults up to what percent of the federal poverty level?

• A. Expand coverage to all residents regardless of income
• B. Allowed states to expand coverage to adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level
• C. Eliminated private insurance options
• D. Reduced Medicaid to essential services only

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how the ACA changed who could get Medicaid by expanding eligibility to more adults. The plan broadened access so that adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level would qualify for Medicaid in expansion states. This was designed to cover many adults who were previously ineligible, narrowing the coverage gap between traditional Medicaid and private insurance. Some states chose not to expand, which is why the expansion isn’t universal across all states, but the threshold being described is the 138% FPL level. The other statements don’t reflect this policy shift: they either describe universal eligibility, eliminate private insurance options, or reduce Medicaid to only essential services.

The main idea being tested is how the ACA changed who could get Medicaid by expanding eligibility to more adults. The plan broadened access so that adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level would qualify for Medicaid in expansion states. This was designed to cover many adults who were previously ineligible, narrowing the coverage gap between traditional Medicaid and private insurance. Some states chose not to expand, which is why the expansion isn’t universal across all states, but the threshold being described is the 138% FPL level. The other statements don’t reflect this policy shift: they either describe universal eligibility, eliminate private insurance options, or reduce Medicaid to only essential services.