Medicaid expansion will be placed on the August 4, 2020 primary election ballot, according to Governor Mike Parson.
Citizens of Missouri filed an initiative petition with the Secretary of State to place Medicaid expansion on the ballot. Following the Secretary of State’s certification of the petition, Governor Parson signed a proclamation on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 to place the initiative on the August ballot.
“I want to be clear that this is about policy, not politics,” Governor Parson said. “At a time when our state is undergoing a major health, economic, and budget crisis, we need to know exactly where we stand on what would be a massive spending initiative for Missouri.”
According to research from Pew Charitable Trusts, Missouri is a top five state for general revenue spending on Medicaid. The state estimates it will need an additional $88 million in general revenue through Fiscal Year 2021 due to COVID-19.
“Pass or fail, it is important that we understand the implications of Medicaid expansion as soon as possible,” Governor Parson said. “Placing the initiative on the August ballot will give us more time to prepare and account for the outcome in our state budget.”