JUNEAU – Today, Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) introduced a resolution encouraging Governor Parnell to accept federal Medicaid expansion dollars for the benefit it will have to the state economy and to thousands of Alaskans.

Rep. Josephson said, “Expanding Medicaid injects two billion dollars into our economy, saves and creates thousands of jobs, and provides health care to thousands of Alaskans who otherwise cannot afford it.”

The legislation (HCR8) highlights the jobs that would be created, the economic benefits to the state and the health benefits to 41,500 uninsured Alaskans who would be eligible for health insurance coverage if the Medicaid program expanded. According to a study by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, expanding Medicaid would generate 4,000 new jobs, $180 million more in annual wages, and $2.49 billion in increased economic activity for the state by 2020.

“Alaska should not be leaving federal dollars on the table that could be used to generate jobs and get more Alaskans the health coverage they need when Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, Missouri and others are moving forward,” said Josephson.