Showdown Continues Ahead Of June 1 Special Session
The showdown over proposed Medicaid expansion in Florida has been top-of-mind for the legislature in 2015. Debate continued Tuesday when Republican leaders in the Florida Senate “offered up a revamped health care proposal” to help “end a budget stalemate that threatens to shut down state government,” the AP reports. The plan was rejected by Gov. Rick Scott and House GOP leaders. The plan, spearheaded by Senate President Andy Gardiner (R), would scrap an initial proposal to expand Medicaid this summer but would “still rely on federal money linked to President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.” Low-income Floridians would be able to purchase coverage through a new state-run exchange, but they would be required to pay premiums and have to work. The new coverage plan would require Federal approval and would not kick in until January. Scott (R) criticized the proposal, saying it would cost the state $5 billion over 10 years.
The Miami Herald reports that Scott called the Senate’s proposal an “Obamacare Expansion Plan” and accused lawmakers of trying to impose higher taxes on Floridians. The House, meanwhile, “offered a cautiously optimistic response.” The House’s chief budget writer, Rep. Richard Corcoran (R), said, “I think the House is completely open to a discussion, debate and vote on the Senate plan, and we’re hoping the Senate is also open to the House’s proposals.” Meanwhile, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli (R) “expressed doubt about the revised plan because it includes a work requirement that the federal government has frowned upon in the past,” the Florida Times-Union reports. According to the Naples (FL) Daily News, the Senate proposal “did little to win over House GOP leaders.”
What Happens Next
Florida’s Senate has been supportive of expanding the state’s Medicaid program, a move Gov. Scott and the Florida House oppose. The issue caused a stalemate in budget negotiations, leading to the need for a special legislative session June 1. The issue will continue to be the subject of debate during that special session. Currently, the fate of Medicaid expansion remains uncertain.
What This Means For Small Businesses
Small business owners expend considerable time, energy, and money in starting and growing their businesses. Piling additional healthcare costs onto growing labor costs could place undue financial strain on Florida’s small business owners.
Additional Reading
NFIB has been monitoring the Medicaid issue in Florida and previously noted the harmful effects of Medicaid expansion on small businesses.
