Last session’s chair of the state Health Services Subcommittee says Florida’s strong participation in the healthcare exchanges is unlikely to impact debate on Medicaid expansion.
A report out this week shows more people signed up through exchanges here than in any other state where the federal government runs them.
Senator Garcia says “time will tell” if that interest persuades the State to become more involved with the marketplace. As for interest in affordable healthcare pressuring the state to expand Medicaid.“The exchange and the Medicaid expansion dollars are two very separate and distinct issues", Garcia said. "I, for one, am the proponent of accepting those federal dollars. I think it’s irresponsible not to accept those dollars and try to cover about a million more people in the state of Florida.”
Governor Rick Scott is not opting for state control of the healthcare exchange, and he says he worries about privacy issues related to it. But, he supports federal funding for Medicaid. Republicans voted down that funding earlier this year, citing future expense and a lack of flexibility. Lawmakers are likely to revisit the issue next year.