When they passed the health care law in 2010, congressional Democrats intended to expand Medicaid eligibility in every state.
But the Supreme Court ruled last year that the expansion was an option for states and not a requirement. At least 25 states — mainly those with Republican governors or Republican-controlled legislatures — have balked at expanding the program, partly because of concerns about long-term costs.
The history of Medicaid shows that it took several years for some states to sign on in the 1960s, suggesting that additional states may decide to expand eligibility in coming years, says the Times.
The Obama administration is urging people who “need health insurance” to report their phone numbers and e-mail addresses to the government at healthcare.gov so they can be notified of new insurance options.