Indiana can expect a wide range of economic benefits from expanding coverage making it a sound fiscal decision.

For the State of Indiana

• More state and local tax revenue. Increased economic activity from coverage expansion could bring as much as $108 million in new tax revenue to Indiana.
• As much as $10.5 billion from the federal government. The Affordable Care Act is designed to pay between 90 and 100 percent of the cost of coverage expansion. In Indiana, that adds up to as much as $10.5 billion in new federal dollars between now and 2020.
• Support for 30,000 good-paying Indiana jobs. When as many as 300,000 additional Hoosiers have access to health care, obviously we’ll need more health care professionals to treat them. Those jobs will have a ripple effect on communities across the state. Studies show that coverage expansion could support 30,000 jobs in Indiana.

For Indiana Citizens

• Access to affordable health care. There’s no denying it—a serious injury or illness can suddenly and dramatically change a family’s financial situation. When more Hoosiers have affordable health care, they can take a more proactive approach to maintaining their health—from cancer screenings to better treating chronic conditions like diabetes. That means less time off from work, as well as more security when the unexpected happens.
• Lower health insurance premiums. The cost of providing care for the uninsured is one of the factors driving up health insurance costs for all of us. A recent study shows that coverage expansion in Indiana could reduce insurance costs by an average of $236 a year for individuals, and up to $677 a year for families.
• Better use of your federal tax dollars. Your federal taxes are already being used to fund Medicaid expansion in states like Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan. By expanding coverage in Indiana, we can bring those dollars back home to help people in your community.

For Indiana Businesses

• More jobs, more customers. Coverage expansion is expected to support more than 30,000 good-paying jobs in Indiana. Even if your business isn’t directly related to health care, you will benefit from an increased number of Hoosiers with money to spend in your community.
• More predictable health care expenses. Between 2003 and 2011, average premiums for employer-sponsored health plans increased more than 62 percent. As more Hoosiers have access to some form of health coverage, studies show there will be downward pressure on premiums. 
• A healthier, more productive workforce. With coverage expansion, more Indiana workers will have access to the care they need to stay healthy. Just as important, Indiana won’t lose its best workers to neighboring states that do offer expanded coverage options.
• Avoidance of increased federal tax penalties. If Indiana does not choose to expand coverage, large employers may be on the hook for substantial tax penalties.

Studies

State Medicaid Choices and the Hidden Surprises for Employers (Jackson Hewitt)

Medicaid Expansion in Indiana - Stimpson, Wilson, Nguyen, Shaw-Sutherland

Uninsured Veterans and Family Members: State and National Estimates of Expanded Medicaid Coverage under the ACA

Opting Out of Medicaid Expansion: The Health and Financial Impacts (Health Affairs)