Small Business Owners From Across U.S. Travel to White House to Discuss Medicaid Expansion

** Small business owners nationwide available for interviews**

Washington, DC—More than 40 small business owners representing seven states—Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin—will meet with policymakers and business advocates at the White House Monday, Feb. 24 to discuss the importance of expanding Medicaid in their states.

"Medicaid expansion is an important issue facing my business and many others here in Pennsylvania. Not only will it level the playing field for small businesses like mine, but it will actually pump money into Pennsylvania's economy and that will boost my bottom line," said Lou Camerlengo, President of Five Star Development in Pittsburgh, Pa. "It's an important issue, which is why I'm making time to come to Washington to meet with policymakers."

In June 2012, the Supreme Court gave states the option to expand eligibility for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to those earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. For those states that choose to expand their Medicaid programs, the federal government pays 100 percent of the cost for those newly eligible for Medicaid from 2014 to 2016, gradually decreasing to 90 percent in 2020 and beyond. Many states, including those being represented at the event, have chosen not to expand their Medicaid programs, denying eligibility for millions of low-wage working adults who otherwise would have qualified under the healthcare law.

Research has shown that expanding Medicaid eligibility would be a boon to state economies and small firms by leveling the play field for small businesses, creating a healthier and more productive workforce and pumping new money into the economy. Medicaid expansion would cover about 21.3 million individuals nationwide by 2022, many of them low-wage working adults. Because so many workers would qualify for Medicaid, small firms that can't afford to offer their employees insurance would be better able to compete for workers with big businesses that can offer insurance. It would also encourage a more productive workforce by extending health benefits to millions and stimulate economic growth by injecting money back into local economies.

If a state does not expand its Medicaid program, other states that have already approved expansion will get the benefit of federal tax dollars from states that don't expand. This means a significant loss of jobs and revenue.

"The bottom line is that expanding Medicaid in every state would lower insurance costs for small businesses and encourage a more robust workforce," said John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority. "This would enrich the economy and create an environment much friendlier to many small employers who currently struggle to afford health insurance. With lower insurance costs and healthier workers, small employers can worry less about healthcare and concentrate on growing their businesses and creating jobs."