Medicaid for Public Education

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Published in Deseret News, I showed how the Medicaid program's value is greater than its budgetary line item because it can also benefit Utah students and maximize Utah's investment in public education. Using my personal experience as a starting point, I draw the connection between health, healthcare access, academic achievement, and later success and economic contributions using prior research studies.

"The relation between Medicaid eligibility, educational attainment, future health and economic success creates an inter-related cycle; one that can lead to more successful and healthier Utah families. In other words, families eligible for Medicaid can care for their children’s health needs and, in turn, these children will have a greater chance of graduating from high school, having higher earnings and being more productive, therefore potentially offsetting the costs of the program."

Finally, I end by urging our lawmakers to consider all benefits of Medicaid.

"In Utah, we spend billions of dollars on public education. We should be focused on strengthening all social services that get the most out of our constitutional investment. Medicaid is one of those programs. I encourage our f

ederal and state representatives to see Medicaid as more than a budgetary line item. Instead, view it as an investment in Utah’s education and an investment in our future."

Read more by visiting the Op-Ed on Deseret News.