Health care providers and members of the public are urging a special commission to recommend expanding Medicaid in New Hampshire.
Representatives of hospitals, nurses, doctors and other medical providers told the commission Tuesday they are already treating many of the uninsured adults who would qualify for Medicaid under the federal health care overhaul act. They said many go to expensive hospital emergency rooms because they have no alternative.
The commission has been holding a series of meetings to gather information so it can write a report to lawmakers by Oct. 15 on whether New Hampshire should expand Medicaid to an estimated 49,000 poor adults.
New Hampshire's current Medicaid program covers low-income children, parents with nondisabled children under 18, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
