Gov. Rick Scott won’t block expansion of Medicaid under the federal health care overhaul. Scott will announce shortly that Florida should go along unless federal officials back away from a commitment to pick up the cost. It’s a reversal of position for Scott in the eyes of conservatives opposed to the health care law, known as “Obamacare.”
House Speaker Will Weatherford said he respects Scott’s decision but that ultimately the Legislature will make the decision.
“I am personally skeptical that this inflexible law will improve the quality of healthcare in our state and ensure our long-term financial stability,” Weatherford said in prepared remarks.
Reacting to Scott’s reversal in position, House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston (D-Plantation) said he is “pleased that Governor Scott has, after much delay, endorsed implementation of a major component of the nation’s health care law by seeking legislative approval of an extension of Medicaid services to Florida’s most vulnerable population.”
Thurston added: “I would prefer that the governor embrace the Affordable Care Act without constraints, such as his newly proposed automatic three-year sunset of expanded Medicaid coverage. Regardless, his comments today are a step forward that I urge Republican legislative leaders to meet with action.”
Thurston said he is confident that expanding Florida’s Medicaid program will improve the quality of healthcare in an affordable manner.
