As Another Governor Decides to Expand Medicaid Under the Affordable Care Act, Governor Corbett Continues to Stall

Hughes questions Budget Sec. Charles Zogby on Medicaid expansion :: February 19, 2013

As Another Governor Decides to Expand Medicaid Under the Affordable Care Act, Governor Corbett Continues to Stall

More Than 500,000 Uninsured Pennsylvanians Continue to Suffer
On February 20, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican and staunch critic of President Barack Obama’s health care law, announced that he will expand Florida’s Medicaid program. This was a complete about face for the governor who was a strong opponent of ObamaCare.
This announcement marks the 7th Republican governor to participate in the expansion of Medicaid. Half of all states have decided to or are leaning towards Medicaid expansion.

Status of State Medicaid Expansion for 2014

Status of the ACA Medicaid Expansion after Supreme Court Ruling - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Unfortunately for the more than 500,000 uninsured Pennsylvanians hoping for some relief, Gov. Tom Corbett remains opposed to expanding at this time, citing the need to do further analysis on costs and rules associated with Medicaid expansion.

Pennsylvania’s Economy Will Benefit from Expanding Medicaid - Families USA

Corbett continues to assert that Pennsylvania taxpayers will incur substantial costs related to expanding Medicaid, but what isn’t told is that these costs that he speaks of will occur regardless of Medicaid expansion based on the insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act. These costs are NOT related to Medicaid expansion and should not be used as a reason for Pennsylvania not to participate.
The facts are:

• For the first three years, Medicaid expansion is completely covered by the federal government at NO cost to Pennsylvania
• More than 500,000 uninsured Pennsylvanians would get coverage
• Pennsylvania would see savings and growth related to Medicaid expansion to the tune of an estimated $670 million
• Pennsylvania would receive $4 billion a year in federal funds

Read More:

• Gov. Rick Scott embraces Medicaid expansion in Florida - Politico
• Report: Florida Medicaid expansion could create 71,300 jobs - Tampa Bay Times
• In Reversal, Florida to Take Health Law’s Medicaid Expansion - New York Times
• As yet another Republican governor caves, Pa. Gov. Corbett holds out on Medicaid expansion - Patriot News
• Report: Expanding Medicaid Would Give a Boost to Pennsylvania's Economy - Pennsylvania Health Access
• Report Suggests Expanding Medicaid Would Bring 41,200 New Jobs to Pennsylvania in 2016 - Philly.com