Ark. Governor Hopes To Save Medicaid Expansion With Veto Strategy
As the state Senate balks at funding the expanded program, Gov. Asa Hutchinson is betting that he can use the line item veto to keep it running. Also, news outlets examine Medicaid expansion news in Ohio and New Hampshire.
Arkansas News:
Supporters Of Medicaid Plan Asked To Vote Against It To Save It
The state Legislature’s fiscal session hit a snag on its second day last week, and the leading strategy that has emerged for resolving that snag is somewhat counter-intuitive. In a nutshell, supporters of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s plan to continue and modify Arkansas’ Medicaid expansion program are being asked to vote against funding the plan to save it. (Lyon, 4/17)
The Associated Press:
Governor Defends Line-Item Veto Plan For Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says a plan aimed at allowing him to reinstate Arkansas' hybrid Medicaid expansion if it's defunded is the best chance lawmakers have at quickly resolving a budget standoff over the program. The Republican governor on Friday defended a plan to add a provision to Medicaid's budget that would defund the expansion, which uses federal funds to purchase private insurance for the poor. Hutchinson has said he'll veto that provision if the bill is approved by the Legislature, which would then allow the Legislature to effectively fund the program with a simple majority by upholding his veto. (DeMillo, 4/15)
Arkansas Democrat Gazette:
Medicaid Strategy Faces Test In Session's Gridlock
After a four-day break, the Republican-dominated Legislature on Tuesday will resume tackling whether to proceed with Gov. Asa Hutchinson's line-item veto strategy as a means to allow the use of federal Medicaid funds to purchase private health insurance for low-income Arkansans in the next fiscal year. ... the Senate on Thursday failed to pass the state Department of Human Services' Medical Services Division appropriation as is, with the private-option funding intact. (Wickline, 4/17)
The Cleveland Plain Dealer:
Public Debate Opens On Proposal To Make Ohio Medicaid Recipients Pay For Care
Gov. John Kasich's administration today filed a detailed draft of changes to the state's Medicaid program, kicking off public debate over a requirement that beneficiaries make monthly payments or lose their coverage. ... The proposal is already fueling a fiery debate in communities statewide. Supporters say it injects needed personal responsibility into the program and will help pare Medicaid's ever-rising costs. Opponents argue it undermines recent progress in expanding access to Medicaid and will erect a cost barrier in front of people who can least afford it. (Ross, 4/15)
The Concord Monitor:
PolitiFact: Republican State Rep. Cites High Medicaid Enrollment In Two NH Counties
At a news conference last month, U.S. House candidate and state Rep. Jack Flanagan explained his vote to continue the state’s expanded Medicaid program. Flanagan, a Republican, supported the legislation because those in the second congressional district were relying on the expanded plan, he told reporters. (Wirestone, 4/15)