GOP Governors, A Key Constituency For ACA Replacement Effort, Remain Unconvinced On Bill
These governors are split on their opinions about the efforts on Capitol Hill. Some fear changes could hurt their state residents and others think the changes don't go far enough.
Politico:
Republican Governors Skeptical Of House GOP Health Care Bill
At least 15 Republican governors have raised concerns about the House GOP’s health care bill amid the fiery debate surrounding the long-promised repeal of Obamacare. And no governors have publicly expressed strong support for the American Health Care Act. (Quigley, 3/14)
The Associated Press:
GOP Health Overhaul Puts Pressure On State Governments
The Republican health care plan means less money for states and gives them a tough choice: Find a pot of cash to make up the difference or let coverage lapse for millions of lower-income Americans. Governors and state lawmakers analyzing the Republican plan to replace former President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act fear a return to the past, when those without health coverage used emergency rooms for their medical needs. That uncompensated care that was written off by hospitals or billed to the state. (Mulvihill, 3/15)
The Associated Press:
Governor Urges Congress To Keep Medicaid Expansion Amid Replacement Talks
Louisiana's governor sent a letter Tuesday to Republican and Democratic congressional leaders, in which he said he has "serious concern" with the GOP health plan because it would end the higher federal financing rate for Medicaid expansion in 2020. Edwards embraced the expansion, making Louisiana the 31st state to participate. More than 405,000 people have enrolled in the coverage. (3/14)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Scott Walker Still Not Saying Whether He Supports Obamacare Replacement
Gov. Scott Walker again declined Tuesday to say whether he supports legislation in Congress to replace Obamacare, cut taxes and the deficit, and allow 24 million people to end up without health coverage over the next decade. Walker called for repealing Obamacare in each of his three successful runs for governor in 2010, 2012 and 2014, but he has declined to take a stance on the Affordable Care Act replacement being pushed by one of Walker's closest allies, House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Janesville Republican. (Stein and Spicuzza, 3/14)
Georgia Health News:
Deal Supports Alternative To ACA . . . If It’s Fair To Georgia
Gov. Nathan Deal said Tuesday that he supports congressional Republicans’ effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but also said he wants more details on the GOP plan to replace the law – and its potential effects on Georgia. ... Deal, a Republican, summed up Georgia’s perspective on the proposed new health plan in a few words. “Our message to Congress is: We want to be treated fairly.” The GOP bill would eliminate the ACA’s requirement for individuals to have health coverage, instead implementing tax credits to induce people to have insurance. (Miller, 3/14)