President Obama appreciated Louisiana's democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards call to expand Medicaid to thousands of additional residents, according to Portland Press Herald.
Here are six points:
1. Gov. Edwards' decision is in stark contrast to previous Gov. Bobby Jindal's decision to not expand Medicaid.
2. Under the Affordable Care Act, states may use federal money to offer Medicaid to more residents in need.
3. The governor's office reported approximately 300,000 more Louisianans will be able to take advantage of the expanded Medicaid.
4. Gov. Edward urges the expansion take place by July.
5. Louisiana joins 30 other states and Washington, D.C., in expanding Medicaid with federal government funds.
6. President Obama plans to ask Congress to offer federal funding for the next three years for states that choose to expand Medicaid programs. The Republican-heavy Congress will likely block the proposal.