A study commissioned by the Nebraska Hospital Association projects expanding Medicaid would greatly benefit Nebraska economically.

The study by the University of Nebraska-Kearney says though expansion would cost the state 148-Million dollars over a three-year period, it would bring in 1-point-3(B)Billion in federal funds, which should lead to the creation of 11-Thousand jobs.

University of Nebraska-Kearney Economics Professor Allan Jenkins says though some states which have expanded Medicaid have seen enrollees far exceed estimates, he doesn’t see that happening in Nebraska

Jenkins says expansion should provide 90-Thousand low-income Nebraskans with health insurance. He says that will improve their health, bring down bankruptcies, and help rural hospitals struggling to cope with uncompensated care.

Jenkins claims that 29 of the state’s 64 critical access hospitals operate on margins of less than two percent.

Voters will decide expansion next month when they vote on Initiative 427.