In many ways, Kentucky, a poor state with a starkly unhealthy populace, has become a symbol of the Affordable Care Act?s potential. Largely because the state chose to expand Medicaid, the drop in the uninsured rate has been among the sharpest in the nation. Hospital revenues are up, health care jobs are multiplying and far more Kentuckians are getting preventive checkups and screenings, according to state officials. Amanda Mayhew is one of the beneficiaries. She earns little enough to qualify for Medicaid under the new guidelines. She has been to the dentist five times to begin salvaging her neglected teeth, has had a dermatologist remove a mole and has gotten medication for her depression, all free.
