The federal government matches every dollar spent on Medicaid 1:1 and every dollar spent on FAMIS 2:1. Increasing investments will secure additional funds to help improve the state’s overall economy.

Adequate support of public health care programs means less ‘cost shifting’ to private insurance  a burden for businesses.

Every dollar spent on Medicaid has a value of $2.18 in additional state business activity.

Virginia is:

…“the best state for business.” (Forbes, 2006-2009)

…the “state where a child will most likely have a successful life.” (Education Week, 2007)

…one of four states effectively dealing with the national recession, “better positioned to weather bad times.” 
(The Pew Center, 2009)

...#8 nationally in per capita personal income
 (Bureau of Economic Analysis)

But the Commonwealth is also:

...among only 10 states with more uninsured children today than 15 years ago  167,000.

...experiencing the 4th largest drop nationally in worker health insurance coverage over the last 15 years.

...ranking 31st nationally in income eligibility in state-sponsored children’s health coverage.

...ranking 48th nationally in Medicaid expenditures.

Currently, 67 percent of small Virginia employers say 
it is important for individuals, employers, insurers, the government, and health care providers to share responsibility for making health care more affordable.
Small Business Majority Survey (June, 2009)