Medicaid Reforms Part Of Obama Plan To Help Puerto Rico Stay Afloat
The island, without federal help, is set to run out of money by the end of the year. Problems with its health care system are partially to blame, officials say.
The Washington Post:
Obama Backs Special Bankruptcy Protection For Puerto Rico
In addition to urging Congress to offer Puerto Rico the new type of bankruptcy protection, the administration is also recommending that Congress broaden access to the island’s Medicaid program, a move that would pump money into its teetering health-care system. It also wants the island workers to have access to a broader array of federal tax credits, including the earned-income tax credit, in an effort to pump up its dismal 40 percent labor force participation rate. (Fletcher, 10/21)
The Wall Street Journal:
White House Calls For Bigger U.S. Role In Puerto Rico Debt Crisis
The White House made its most forceful call for federal intervention in Puerto Rico’s debt crisis on Wednesday, outlining legislation to restructure more of the $72 billion in debt issued by the commonwealth. ... The plan further recommends an overhaul of the island’s Medicaid program and access to the earned-income tax credit, a popular tax break designed to boost workforce participation among the poor, for Puerto Rico. (Kuriloff and Timiraos, 10/21)
