Gov. Scott Files Lawsuit Against Obama Over Medicaid Expansion
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Obama administration, saying they are coercing the state to expand Medicaid in order for Florida to get $1 billion in federal hospital funds.
Scott filed the lawsuit a Pensacola federal court. The governor points to a 2012 Supreme Court decision that the federal government can't coerce states to expand Medicaid, which is what he says the Obama administration is doing by withholding hospital funds.
Legal experts say that case doesn't necessarily apply. That's because the hospital funds Scott wants are part of an optional program the federal government has broad discretion over.
Florida previously led the way in challenging the Affordable Care Act and was eventually joined by about two dozen other states.
The fight over the hospital funds has also stalled the Florida Legislature.
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