Missed it by That Much . . .

According to the Kaiser Foundation and reported by the Tennessean, the number of people who will go on medical welfare (Medicaid) is higher than originally estimated.

Five years into the recently passed health care reform law Tennessee could have nearly a half million more residents on Medicaid, according to a report released Wednesday.

And the state could be paying an extra $1.5 billion for those services over five years, the Kaiser Family Foundation report estimates.

Both numbers are somewhat higher than an estimate of 200,000 new participants and $1 billion over five years put out by TennCare officials in March.

"Somewhat" higher.

For those of you playing along at home, somewhat is 2.5 times higher than the original estimate.

As they say, close enough for government work.

But all is not lost. The federal government will pay part of the bill.

And where does the federal government get their money?

From the other 56 states.

Wash, rinse, repeat.



Thanks to Hank Stern for the tip.