Opinion: Expanding Medicaid—the smart decision for MD

Research just published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates that expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income adults translates into a 6.1 percent reduction in mortality. This research adds to a large body of evidence showing that insurance is associated with reduced mortality. Saving lives is a compelling reason to move forward. Our Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown have placed a high priority on expanding coverage to hundreds of thousands of Maryland families and children since taking office. Our choice also reflects clear evidence that the Medicaid expansion in the Affordable Care Act will support Maryland's economy and the state budget.