GOP Governors Eyeing 2016 Presidential Runs Wrestle With Medicaid Expansion
The health law's expansion of the low-income health insurance program was a hot topic at this week's Republican Governors Association meeting in Florida. Meanwhile, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock unveiled his Medicaid plan for the state.
The Wall Street Journal:
Republican Governors Set Sights on 2016 Presidential Race
Five of the six governors who are considering a presidential bid appeared on a discussion panel and teased out their differences concerning immigration, Medicaid and other issues. ... The governors exploring presidential campaigns span the party’s spectrum of ideology and style. During the discussion, which included the governors of Louisiana, Indiana, Wisconsin, Texas and Ohio, some of those differences emerged. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence called for repealing the 2010 health care law “lock stock and barrel.” Ohio’s John Kasich defended his state’s decision to expand Medicaid, which has come under fire from the right. (Hook and Haddon, 11/19)
The Wall Street Journal:
Christie’s Strategy on National Issues: Address Some, Not Others
Mr. Christie said the Supreme Court shouldn’t rule on gay marriage, instead leaving it to states to make decisions. He has supported the Keystone XL pipeline—a popular position among the Republican business base. And he has bashed the Affordable Care Act, even as New Jersey accepted a Medicaid expansion that been controversial among conservatives. (Dawsey, 11/19)
Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune:
Medicaid Expansion Plan Is Unveiled
Gov. Steve Bullock on Wednesday officially unveiled a plan to expand Medicaid in Montana in a way he says will provide coverage to nearly 70,000 Montanans in a way that would contract with an insurer in a competitive process to provide coverage through private providers at negotiated rates. The plan is based on the Healthy Montana Kids program, which provides health insurance coverage to children who meet certain guidelines. (Wipf, 11/19)
In addition, Reuters does a status check on how states are faring with this provision of the health law -
Reuters:
U.S. States Get More, Spend More On Medicaid Under Obamacare
One part of the Affordable Care Act is going according to plan, with U.S. states receiving and spending more money on the Medicaid health insurance program, a report released by the National Association of State Budget Officers on Thursday showed. States run Medicaid, which serves families who have low incomes, and receive partial reimbursements from the federal government. The healthcare overhaul known as Obamacare allowed more people to enroll in Medicaid and also gave states 90 percent to 100 percent reimbursements for new enrollees. (11/19)
In other news related to Medicaid and CHIP -
