Medicaid

Will Florida's GOP Legislature Thwart Rick Scott's Medicaid Expansion?

Sahil Kapur | February 26, 2013, 5:58AM

Republican Gov. Rick Scott's announcement last week that he supports the Medicaid expansion in Florida may not be enough to seal the deal. That's because it still needs budget approval from the overwhelmingly Republican legislature, which has majorities of 28-12 in the Senate and 74-46 in the House, and is wary of going along with one of the key provisions of "Obamacare."

Florida's House Speaker Will Weatherford (R) told National Review he's "personally skeptical that this inflexible law will improve the quality of health care in our state and [e]nsure our long-term financial stability." He said the legislature, not the governor, will have the final word.

Democrats are taking the threat seriously.

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Affordable Care Act

In Surprise Decision, Gov. Scott Backs Medicaid Expansion In Florida

Pema Levy | February 20, 2013, 6:35PM

Rick Scott

Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced Wednesday that he will ask the state legislature to move forward with the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, becoming the seventh Republican governor to do so.

"I cannot, in good conscience, deny the uninsured access to care," Scott said, speaking at a hastily-prepared press conference.

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