Why has the U.S. government agreed to cover the entire cost of Medicaid expansion in Nebraska, while the rest of the country receives assistance for a mere 3 years? That is the question plaguing many, including a growing number of governors both Republican and Democrat.
Gov. Schwarzenegger (CA) and Gov. Bredesen (TN) are among those who demonstrated grave concern over the financial impact of Medicaid expansion on the states at a time of economic hardship, along with a growing number of governors also speaking out against Nebraska’s special treatment.
U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas who voted for the bill on Christmas Eve has publicly called for the agreement benefiting Nebraska in the bill to be removed before the final bill is constructed. Additionally attorneys general in 13 states have threatened a lawsuit if Congress does not remove the provision from the bill.
Politico reports today that the Obama Administration is trying to reconstruct a united Democratic front in support of the legislation. Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell is trying to gather the support of fellow Democratic governors, promising that some states will turn out to be “financial winners.”
That certainly is not the case for North Carolina which faces an additional $600 million in new expenses as a result of the proposed Medicaid expansion. Where do our North Carolina leaders stand on this issue?
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