Some governors worry about proposals to expand Medicaid as part of reform effort

Sep 18 2009

The provisions in health care reform legislation have caused concern among some governors who fear it could increase financial burdens on their states. NPR reports: "Yesterday, the so-called Gang of Six Senators held a conference call with some governors to try to allay their fears. Medicaid provides health care for the poorest Americans. Its costs are paid for by both federal and state governments. And it's expected that Medicaid rolls would increase by about 11 million people under the health care plans being proposed."

NPR interviews Gov. Ed Rendell, (D-Penn.), who says "the economic crisis' effect on states has made them extremely sensitive to an unfunded mandate for Medicaid."

The health care overhaul bill released Wednesday by Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont, would raise the Medicaid eligibility from 100 percent of the poverty level to 133 percent (Block, 9/16).

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