Numbers Show Fla. Losing Billions If Medicaid Expansion Nixed
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) — Gov. Rick Scott, who opposed the Affordable Care Act, says his aim is to save Florida money.
According to preliminary numbers, however, Scott may be doing just the opposite by rejecting Medicaid expansion.
The numbers reveal rejecting Medicaid expansion would cost Florida billions in federal money under the national health care overhaul.
Economists met Tuesday to review figures that assume all people eligible for expanded Medicaid would participate. The economists, though, reduced the anticipated participation rates, and the numbers will be reworked.
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld most aspects of the law including a requirement for most people to have health insurance. The high court, though, said the federal government cannot force states to expand their Medicaid programs.
The preliminary figures show Florida would pass up $2.1 billion in federal money while saving just $3.9 million in the next budget year.
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