House Republicans expressed skepticism over Governor Bill Walker’s plan to expand Medicaid in a hearing Monday morning. The subcommittee hearing of the House Health and Social Services Committee was the first chance for lawmakers to publicly question Health Commissioner Valerie Davidson on the subject.
Medicaid expansion is a complicated topic. Davidson and lawmakers dug into the details, like reimbursement rates in Alaska and efforts to combat Medicaid fraud. An hour and a half into the hearing, subcommittee chair Dan Saddler, a Republican from Eagle River, was ready to ask a bigger picture question:
“Given the federal government’s debt load, that’s also projected to increase tremendously over future decades…. does it cause you any concern or to question the wisdom of expanding Medicaid?”
The federal government would cover Medicaid expansion at 100% until the end of next year, then that match gradually decreases to 90% in 2020. The money would pay for health coverage for mostly childless adults who are near or below the federal poverty level.
The budget Walker sent to lawmakers includes a line approving the receipt of federal Medicaid funds.
Representative Mark Neuman, a Republican from Big Lake, asked the administration to submit a separate bill on Medicaid expansion so it would be subject to the normal legislative process. The Governor’s office is not considering that option.
Via Alaska Public Media
image credit HouseMajority.org
