A new report by the University of Nebraska Medical Center says expanding Medicaid as part of the federal health care law would strengthen the state's economy.
The report says Nebraska would realize "significant returns" in the health of its citizens. Health officials say expanded Medicaid coverage could provide health care access to more than 90,000 new enrollees over a six-year period, attract roughly $3 billion from the federal government and generate $700 million in economic activity.
The report says the expansion would cost the state $140 million to $168 million.
Gov. Dave Heineman has criticized the Medicaid expansion proposal as potentially too costly for the state. He says the federal government has a history of not fulfilling its financial commitments.
