Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is one of several Republican Governors to push for the expansion of Medicaid under President Barack Obama’s health care reform law. “This makes sense for the physical and fiscal health of Michigan,” said Snyder who studied the issue thoroughly before arriving at his decision. “Expansion will create more access to primary care providers, reduce the burden on hospitals and small businesses, and save precious tax dollars. It also puts Michigan rather than Washington in the driver’s seat in terms of implementation, which allows us to better address Michigan’s specific needs.” While he makes these arguments, he knows he will be up against his own party.
Michigan Bill SB0041 regarding Michigan compliance with expanding medicaid coverage to certain poverty level; prohibit. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 – 400.119b) by adding sec. 105c was introduced by Senators Caswell, Jansen and Colbeck on January 16, 2003, and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
AMENDMENT TO SEC. 105C. (1) THE STATE SHALL NOT EXPAND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY TO NONELDERLY INDIVIDUALS WITH INCOME AT OR BELOW 133% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES AS DIRECTED UNDER THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, PUBLIC LAW 111-148.
(2) AS USED IN THIS SECTION, “FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES” MEANS THE POVERTY GUIDELINES PUBLISHED ANNUALLY IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES UNDER ITS AUTHORITY TO REVISE THE POVERTY LINE UNDER
SECTION 673(2) OF SUBTITLE B OF TITLE VI OF THE OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1981, 42 USC 9902.
On March 18, 2003, a powerful new report from the Florida-based Foundation for Government Accountability suggests that cost projections relied on by Gov. Rick Snyder in recommending that Michigan go along with an optional-for-states Obamacare Medicaid expansion may be far too low. If correct, this could potentially lead to future state budget crises in Michigan for as far as the eye can see.
The National Federation of Independent Business in Michigan surveyed its members and found that about two-thirds of respondents do not want the state to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “There’s an overall concern that when you expand an entitlement program like Medicaid, you’re creating more dependency and you’re discouraging people from seeking better jobs and opportunities,” said Charles Owens, NFIB state director. “It’s fairly common that it’s very difficult to draw back on entitlement once its put out there and people become accustomed to it.”
ACTIONS NEEDED:
1. Contact the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Urge him to schedule a hearing immediately for SB0041 and to vote YES on this legislation.
Senator Roger Kahn, (517) 373-1760. senrkahn@senate.michigan.gov
2. Contact all the other Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Advise them that you would like them to vote YES on SB0041.
Contact information for Education Committee Members here.
- Bill to Implement Arkansas Firearms Freedom Act - March 29, 2013
- Oregon Bill Introduced to Nullify Unconstitutional Federal Marijuana and Hemp Laws - March 28, 2013
- MI Bill in Committee SaysNo to Expansion ofMedicaid - March 26, 2013