Editorial Board
Virginia's Smart Move on Health Insurance
The state expands Medicaid, the federal government pays most of the bill, and the citizens win.
Medicaid offers health-care security.
Photographer: John Moore/Getty ImagesCongratulations to the Virginia legislature for voting this week to expand the state’s Medicaid rolls. As the White House and Congress do all they can to pare health insurance coverage nationwide, Virginia’s move will push the other way, extending medical security to 400,000 more people.
In November, voters in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah, where Medicaid expansion is expected to be on the ballot, will have an opportunity to do the same — and, if they do, raise to 36 the number of states taking advantage of the Affordable Care Act’s generous Medicaid deal.