Home » Gov. Scott Accepts Medicaid Expansion of ACA
Gov. Scott Accepts Medicaid Expansion of ACA
By Matt O'Hern // February 21, 2013
Decision Draws Criticism from State GOP Leaders
ABOVE VIDEO (FOXNEWS.com): Florida Governor Rick Scott originally was against implementing Obamacare.
Florida Governor Rick Scott proposed for the state to expand with three years of federal medicaid funding for the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as "Obamacare."
In a statement released on Feb. 20, Gov. Scott said:
Florida Governor Rick Scott
"While the federal government is committed to paying 100 percent of the cost of new people in Medicaid, I cannot, in good conscience, deny the uninsured access to care. We will support a three-year expansion of our Medicaid program under the new healthcare law, as long as the federal government meets their commitment to pay 100 percent of the cost during this time. This legislation would sunset after three years and need to be reauthorized.
"There are no perfect options. Our options are either having Floridians pay to fund this program in other states while denying healthcare to our citizens or using federal funding to help some of the poorest in our state with the Medicaid program as we explore other healthcare reforms.
"Expanding access to Medicaid services for three years is a compassionate, common sense step forward. It is not the end of our work to improve healthcare. And, it is not a white flag of surrender to government-run healthcare. I am committed to working every day to improve access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in Florida, while also protecting taxpayers and keeping our economy growing to create more jobs – which ultimately fuels the dreams of every Florida family." – Florida Gov. Rick Scott
"Expanding access to Medicaid services for three years is a compassionate, common sense step forward. It is not the end of our work to improve healthcare. And, it is not a white flag of surrender to government-run healthcare. I am committed to working every day to improve access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in Florida, while also protecting taxpayers and keeping our economy growing to create more jobs – which ultimately fuels the dreams of every Florida family."
Adam Putnam
Scott's decision drew harsh criticism from prominent members of his own party, including Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. In a statement released earlier today, Weatherford said: "I am personally skeptical that this inflexible law will improve the quality of health care in our state and ensure our long-term financial stability."
Putnam addressed the issue prior to his speech at a meeting with the Florida Retail Federation. Putnam said:
"It's extremely disappointing to learn that Florida may take on billions in additional costs to taxpayers by expanding Medicaid coverage. With over three million Floridians already enrolled in Medicaid, Florida cannot afford to foot the bill for millions more. We will not be able to undo the expansion of Medicaid after enrollment has exploded and the federal government begins to shift the cost to the states.
Over the next ten years, Florida taxpayers will be forced to pay more than $5 billion to cover the cost of Medicaid expansion."
The expansion of Medicaid is not an investment in our future, does not create jobs and does not strengthen our infrastructure. Furthermore, it is not free."
Putnam's statement on Facebook
Jean Gillis says:
Betrayed & disgusted !!!!
Shawnise Cregut says:
There has to be a way to stand our ground and say "no." Lord help our country. We are falling into complacency.