After failing to expand Medicaid through a budget item, Gov. Bill Walker is trying again. He has introduced a standalone bill that would allow the state to accept federal funding for Medicaid expansion, while also offering some reform measures.
First, Walker tried to secure the money through a line in the operating budget, but a House Finance subcommittee stripped that out. Then, Walker said the Legislature should consider an expansion bill by the House Democratic Minority. That didn’t move. Next, he collaborated with a Republican senator on a reform bill, but the product offered did not include expansion. Now, Walker is doing something that legislators have requested of him since the beginning of session.
“We have transmitted legislation for Medicaid expansion, Medicaid reform,” he said.
Walker made the announcement in the Capitol’s cabinet room, with two dozen supporters of Medicaid expansion behind him. Walker stressed that his bill wasn’t just about providing health care to more people.
“It is a catalyst for reform,” he said. “We heard a lot about reform, and reform has been ongoing. Reform is part of this legislation.”
Via alaskapublic.org
image credit Peninsula Clarion AP
