Ryan Noonan Archives - Louisiana Budget Project

February 8, 2018

Medicaid spending lower than expected

Louisiana’s Medicaid program has become a scapegoat for fiscal conservatives, who falsely blame the federal-state health care program for the state’s structural budget shortfall. In reality, state spending per enrollee is relatively low compared to other states and the Medicaid expansion is saving state general fund dollars.

Number of the Day

23.49- Percentage drop in Louisiana’s total enrollment in individual marketplace plans between 2017 to 2018, the largest drop of any state. (Source: National Academy for State Health Policy)

February 2, 2018

A fiscal reality check

A common refrain among state House leaders is that Gov. John Bel Edwards is not looking hard enough at spending when confronting the state’s fiscal problems. But that’s largely Washington D.C.-style rhetoric, says Stephanie Riegel with the Baton Rouge Business Report.

Number of the Day

62 - Percentage of Americans who believe government does not provide enough help to poor people, while 64 percent believe government provides too much help to wealthy people. (Source: Pew Research Center)