(a) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) The income of many elderly Arkansans slightly exceeds the Medicaid eligibility level;
(2) Without adequate health care, many elderly Arkansans will develop more serious health problems, causing them to become debilitated and resulting in loss of independence, higher health costs, and possibly death; and
(3) Expanded Medicaid coverage would improve the health of elderly Arkansans, extend their lives, and reduce their health costs.