Election night sees wins for Medicaid expansion

Medicaid expansion seemed to be a winning theme in yesterday’s state elections. In the gubernatorial race in Kentucky, Democrat Andy Beshear claimed victory against incumbent Republican Gov. Matt Bevin, who hasn't yet conceded. The Associated Press said the race is still too close to call. Bevin was among the first in the country to try and impose work requirements for Medicaid recipients — those rules are tied up in court as a federal judge blocked them back in March. Former Gov. Steve Beshear — the governor-elect’s father — was among the first to expand Medicaid under the then-new Affordable Care Act, and his son has also made this a key part of his platform.

Another place where Medicaid expansion was a winning message was Virginia, where Democrats regained control of the state legislature. Also on the table: several gun control measures that could now be considered by the new assembly.