Wyoming Senate OKs Medicaid Expansion Alternative
In addition, a coalition of police agencies and health care providers in Maine is again pushing to expand the health insurance program for low-income people. This time, they are linking their plan to efforts to combat the heroin crisis.
Wyoming Public Radio:
Senate Passes Proposed Alternative To Medicaid Expansion
A bill that is intended to be the Wyoming’s alternative to expanding Medicaid was approved by the State Senate on Monday. The bill is sponsored by Casper Senator Charles Scott, a longtime opponent of Medicaid expansion. (Beck, 2/23)
The Associated Press:
Compromise Plan Seeks To Expand Medicaid In Maine
A coalition of police agencies and medical providers is backing another attempt to expand Medicaid coverage in Maine, this time with a compromise measure tied to the heroin crisis.The coalition on Tuesday will release details of a proposal that would give 70,000 low-income people the option of getting health insurance through a program that uses a combination of Medicaid and private health insurance. (2/22)
Meanwhile, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says he won't lobby for more Medicaid expansion funds even though the Obama administration thought he might —
Indianapolis Star:
Gov. Mike Pence Says He Won't Seek Extra Medicaid Money
Perhaps the Obama administration should have checked with Gov. Mike Pence before telling reporters the Indiana Republican plans to lobby for more Medicaid dollars from Washington. The White House has proposed giving states that expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act a full three-years of 100 percent federal funding, no matter when the expansion starts. ... Pence said he won’t be asking for the extra money. But if Congress does approve more resources, Pence said, “obviously the state of Indiana will take advantage of those.” (Groppe, 2/22)