Deal: No Medicaid expansion for Georgia
TAMPA — Firming up his earlier stance, Gov. Nathan Deal said Tuesday he “would not have any intention” of expanding Georgia’s Medicaid rolls with federal money from Obamacare.
The expansion to cover anyone who earns one-third more than the federal poverty level, which the law made virtually mandatory by threatening to withhold current Medicaid funds from states that did not cooperate, became optional thanks to a Supreme Court ruling this summer that said Congress had overstepped its bounds in making such a coercive threat. Immediately after the court issued its ruling, Deal said he would wait until November to decide about the expansion, under which the feds would foot 100 percent of the cost of expansion from 2014 to 2016 and less in the years after that.
Tuesday morning in Tampa, during an interview with the AJC, 11 Alive and Politico, he indicated the expansion is off the table:
No, I do not have any intentions of expanding Medicaid. I think that is something our state cannot afford. And even though the federal government promises to pay 100 percent for the first three years and 90 percent thereafter, I think it is probably unrealistic to expect that promise to be fulfilled in the long term, simply because of the financial status that the federal government is in. I am told that that expansion for the federal government will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 billion a year. I quite honestly don’t think Congress can find an extra $100 billion a year.
Asked whether this was a change of heart, he replied:
I think for the time being, assuming that things are as they currently are, I would not have any intention of advocating expanding our Medicaid rolls. The reason for saying wait until November is to see whether or not there are going to be legislative changes at the federal level. And we do have a time frame for making the decision that I think, especially on the exchanges, we have just a few days after the election in order to make a final determination on that.
What kind of changes might prompt a reconsideration? “I can’t think of any right now that would induce me to say that we’re going expand our Medicaid population up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level,” he said, adding that the most recent cost estimate puts the state’s portion of the cost at $4.5 billion over a 10-year period.
“We obviously do not have that kind of money,” he said.
One way the state might be able to change its coverage provisions would be if Washington were to change Medicaid into a program where it sends a chunk of money to Georgia and lets the state decide how best to use it. This “block grant” approach was used in the 1990s welfare reform to good effect, and GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan has proposed just such a change for Medicaid.
Deal sounded very supportive of doing so:
I think there are a lot of things in terms of reimbursement rates, in terms of coverage, if a block grant were given to our state, that we could tailor the program to what we think is most appropriate. As you know, it is pretty much a one-size-fits-all [program]. We [in Georgia] are in one of the more modest Medicaid programs in the country. Those states that have seen fit to expand their Medicaid populations, quite honestly I don’t understand how they’re affording it in this downturned economy.
So, what we would have in mind is it would give us the opportunity to design the program as we think is appropriate. We would be trying to find as much efficiency as possible, and perhaps to provide coverage for areas that we currently know are very expensive to us. The aged, blind and disabled category of course is the largest expense category of our Medicaid population, and we think we might be able to come up with some innovative ways to serve that population better and at the same time save money.
Deal was set to return to Georgia this afternoon.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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258 comments Add your comment
YOU BEEN BAMBOOZLED AND ITS YOUR FAULT
August 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
@Rosa Hatten
August 28th, 2012
4:54 pm
Let’s vote this loser Governor out of office,he would have stole enough of the State’s money by then,they are all liars and crooks.
*******************************************************************************************
TOO LATE.
PEOPLE SHOULD NOT HAVE VOTED FOR HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE.
WE KNEW HE WAS GOING TO STAB EVERYONE IN THE BACK.
“YOU CAN’T PUT THE MANURE BACK INTO THE HORSE”
concerned
August 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
the caps were not ment to make any comment stronger it was to give reverance to GOD. HE IS WORTHY.
curious
August 28th, 2012
5:11 pm
No need for Medicaid expansion. They can go to the ER and receive care as an indigent. If Government can’t afford it (Federal, State, and Local), we had better remove the requirement to treat folks at the ER unless they have “good” insurance or cash.
Georgia again fails to see the whole picture. We’re so worried about someone getting something that the rest of us have, we are willing to gain that bit of satisfaction of denying them at the expense of our own long term self interest as a Nation and State.
td
August 28th, 2012
5:12 pm
ust Saying..
August 28th, 2012
4:38 pm
No surprise that a business man with Deal’s financial history can’t figure out how other states are affording it…
Please let us know which states have accepted and which states have rejected this additional Medicaid?
Dusty
August 28th, 2012
5:12 pm
My goodness, It is almost entertaining here with liberals getting their feathers ruffled. Oh dear! And they mean so well!!
Well, it is getting towards dinner time and departure. So don’t forget now!
Deal is a good governor.
Georgia is a great state.
Conservatives rule!!! You betcha!
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
None of the libtards propose how to pay for the “poor”…..Finn must be a college libtard….opened the blog and he/it was one of the first on….went to the end and he/it is still on…..get a life, dude. Try Bookman’s blog as he should have topics more to your liking
YOU BEEN BAMBOOZLED AND ITS YOUR FAULT
August 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
@I demand to see Cheesy Grits Birth Certificate- Long Form Please
August 28th, 2012
5:07 pm
THAT DOESNT MAKE ANY SENSE
WHEN YOU TYPE ALL CAPS IT DOENST MAKE YOUR POINT ANY BETTER.
******************************************************
You are what’s wrong with this country.
YOU WORRY ABOUT THE WRONG THING.
YOU NEED TO WORRY ABOUT DEAL CUTTING MEDICAID BUT
INSTEAD YOU ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT I AM DOING.
CONS ARE IDIOTS.
CONS HAVE BEEN BAMBOOZLED BY A CON.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
“The meek shall inherit the tip of my boot up their…”
~ Jesus Christ
YOU BEEN BAMBOOZLED AND ITS YOUR FAULT
August 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
@Dusty
August 28th, 2012
5:12 pm
My goodness, It is almost entertaining here with liberals getting their feathers ruffled. Oh dear! And they mean so well!!
Well, it is getting towards dinner time and departure. So don’t forget now!
Deal is a good governor.
Georgia is a great state.
Conservatives rule!!! You betcha!
*****************************************************************
I bet you are on MEDICAID.
TELL THE TRUTH AND SHAME THE DEVIL.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 28th, 2012
5:15 pm
Rush, I was here waiting for you to come back on, sweetie.
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
BAMBOOZLED DEBT FREE CON…..NOW HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
MAYBE I NEED TO BECOME POOR AND MOVE TO THE ENLIGHTENED STATE OF MD, CA, IL WHERE THE STATE IS GOING BANKRUPT….
HOW DID I GET BAMBOOZLED INTO STAYING IN GA AND WHY ARE OTHER PEOPLE LEAVING STATES MENTIONED ABOVE? THEY MUST HAVE BEEN BAMBOOZLED LIBTARDS
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:17 pm
Glad you were but shouldn’t you be on Bookman’s blog?
MarkV
August 28th, 2012
5:18 pm
The perpetual question “where will the money come from,” whenever it is about social spending (unlike, for instance, defense spending) always seems to suggests that somehow we have a terrible tax burden in the US. Well, face the facts. We do not. Our overall tax burden is very low compared with most developed countries. And the Republicans want to make it even lower so that they could cut the social spending more.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 28th, 2012
5:19 pm
What fun would it be busting Conservative chops on Bookman’s blog?
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:19 pm
Good points, Dusty. Georgia is a Republican state and will be that way for our lifetime. Deal with it!! Move on if you don’t like it or convince the poor Dixiecrats to put you in charge.
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
August 28th, 2012
5:20 pm
@Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
*********************************************************************
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
Shine
August 28th, 2012
5:20 pm
What do Roy Barnes and Gov Deal have in common? They will be remembered as one term governors.
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:21 pm
I don’t think anyone takes you seriously and you are barking up the wrong tree. Blog all you want however as you will not change the fact Georgia is a Republican state. If it makes you happy, does not infringe on other rights, and is legal then please do what you wish. This motto is one everyone should adhere to.
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
August 28th, 2012
5:22 pm
@Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:19 pm
Good points, Dusty. Georgia is a Republican state and will be that way for our lifetime. Deal with it!! Move on if you don’t like it or convince the poor Dixiecrats to put you in charge.
**************************************************************************************
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
DEAL WITH IT
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:22 pm
Thanks for the reminder at 5:20. I was confused. Hope you are happy.
Just Saying..
August 28th, 2012
5:23 pm
td: “Please let us know which states have accepted and which states have rejected this additional Medicaid?”
td, did you even read Kyle’s column? Like, for comprehension? Here are Deal’s words, as quoted by Kyle in his column:
“Those states that have seen fit to expand their Medicaid populations, quite honestly I don’t understand how they’re affording it in this downturned economy.”
Certainly you believe Governor Deal knows what he’s talking about.
Don’t you?
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Dealing with it now and the great Republican state of Georgia. Looks like I am happy in my bamboozlement and you are still frustrated. Deal with it
td
August 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
I see you libs are taking this whole issue out of context as usual. The governor did not drop the Medicaid program. It is still viable and in effect for the truly poor in the state. He did not accept the Feds proposal (as part of Obamacare) to expand the program. Medicaid currently covers people to 100% of the Federal poverty level and the Feds want that to be expanded to 137% of the Federal poverty level. This is giving FREE medical coverage (0-premium payment, 0-co-pay and 0-deductable) to people between 100% and 137%. Below is the table for the Federal poverty level (100%)
2012 Poverty Guidelines for the
48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia Persons in
family/household Poverty guideline
1 $11,170
2 15,130
3 19,090
4 23,050
5 27,010
6 30,970
7 34,930
8 38,890
For families/households with more than 8 persons,
add $3,960 for each additional person
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
August 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
@Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:21 pm
I don’t think anyone takes you seriously and you are barking up the wrong tree. Blog all you want however as you will not change the fact Georgia is a Republican state. If it makes you happy, does not infringe on other rights, and is legal then please do what you wish. This motto is one everyone should adhere to.
************************************************************************
No medicaid for you.
No medicaid for your mama
No medicaid for your grand mama
No medicaid for the Cons.
heeheeheeheeheeheehee
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:26 pm
Shine has an excellent point about Deal being a one term governor… Which Republican will be the next governor of Georgia? Who will the Dixiecrats offer up as the sacrificial lamb?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 28th, 2012
5:26 pm
Want to understand what we libs are fighting against?
How Romney-Ryan’s Budget Would Destroy America’s Soul
http://www.alternet.org/election-2012/george-lakoff-how-romney-ryans-budget-would-destroy-americas-soul
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Excellent…I say no Medicaid for anyone. Make everyone responsible for their own family. Cons and libs. Equality for all…..
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
August 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
@td
August 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
I see you libs are taking this whole issue out of context as usual. The governor did not drop the Medicaid program. It is still viable and in effect for the truly poor in the state. He did not accept the Feds proposal (as part of Obamacare) to expand the program.
****************************************************************************
The KEY word is E-X-P-A-N-D
No soup for who?
Genius
Virginia Highland Boy
August 28th, 2012
5:35 pm
I love all these left wing idiots who’re always shouting “if the poor would just get a degree, get an entry level job and work their way up, they’d have access to insurance”. Yes, that would be nice, but anyone with an IQ of a rutabaga knows that most poor people have a less than 1% chance of going to college even if they have grades good enough to get in. Most poor people have too many other worries in their lives (like feed themselves and keeping a roof over their head) to worry about getting into college.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 28th, 2012
5:35 pm
Yeah, I guess when you get to raise a family of 3 on $19,000 a year you are living the dream, baby!
high
on
the
hog!
Made
in
the
shade!
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 28th, 2012
5:37 pm
Virginia, you mean right wing idiots?
Follow the Law
August 28th, 2012
5:39 pm
Tag, it is called the “safety net.” I do not know about you, but I do not want to live at the standard of living of the government’s safety net. You are free to do so if you like the deal of having others take care of you. It is your choice. But, it does get pretty cold outside during some of the winter months.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 28th, 2012
5:49 pm
Sherman, you’re a liberal. That’s all you want to do is change things.
td
August 28th, 2012
6:02 pm
Finn McCool (The System isn’t Broken; It’s Fixed)
August 28th, 2012
5:35 pm
Yeah, I guess when you get to raise a family of 3 on $19,000 a year you are living the dream, baby!
high
on
the
hog!
Made
in
the
shade!
That household of three is more then likely a single mother with two children (BTW: the children are on Medicaid due to Peach care). Why is this woman not married? Why does she not have the skill set to get a job making more money to support herself and her family? Why is not the father of these children paying for the childrens healthcare? (BTW: if she receives Child support then that income is not counted in these figures).
tiredofIT
August 28th, 2012
6:04 pm
Rush
August 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
None of the libtards propose how to pay for the “poor”…..
++
What’s your suggestion?
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
August 28th, 2012
6:04 pm
@Follow the Law
August 28th, 2012
5:39 pm
Tag, it is called the “safety net.” I do not know about you, but I do not want to live at the standard of living of the government’s safety net. You are free to do so if you like the deal of having others take care of you. It is your choice. But, it does get pretty cold outside during some of the winter months.
****************************************************************
“I do not want to live at the standard of living of the government’s safety net.”
Who does?
No one knows who, when or where they might need the “SAFETY NET”.
People should not get so HIGH AND MIGHTY..
It might be YOU the next time who needs the “safety net”.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 28th, 2012
6:09 pm
George Lakoff is a prepuce.
Just saying. . . .
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
August 28th, 2012
6:11 pm
@td
August 28th, 2012
6:02 pm
Finn McCool (The System isn’t Broken; It’s Fixed)
August 28th, 2012
5:35 pm
Yeah, I guess when you get to raise a family of 3 on $19,000 a year you are living the dream, baby!
high
on
the
hog!
Made
in
the
shade!
That household of three is more then likely a single mother with two children (BTW: the children are on Medicaid due to Peach care). Why is this woman not married? Why does she not have the skill set to get a job making more money to support herself and her family? Why is not the father of these children paying for the childrens healthcare? (BTW: if she receives Child support then that income is not counted in these figures).
***********************************************************************
I SEE THE DOGS ARE STILL WHISTLING DIXIE.
Some of these dogs are so poor they don’t have a pot to
tee tee in and a window to throw it out of.
They hide behind their words while living a meager life.
You can tell their social status by their comments.
Some are just a generation out of the trailer park.
ld
August 28th, 2012
6:28 pm
Federal matching (x% to x% spent) BLOCK GRANTS to states is by far the BEST way for the federal government to financially help the medically needy.
States delivering aid to the medically needy via the EXISTING health department infrastructure — enhanced, w/additional resources and authorizations, including a state requirement for 100% participation by medical providers to be licensed to operate in the state — is by far the best way for the states to help the medically needy.
Each state needs to encourage indivdual responsibility even as it guarantees individual liberty and equal right under law. (Abortion should NOT be outlawed, but taxpayer money should not pay for abortion or contraception or viagra OR ANY elective care or medication as an entitlement. Private, non-profit, tax free charities should be set up to deal with such controversial funding.)
Obamacare is a boondoggle in the making — in no small part because
1. People can be JAILED for not paying taxes, including the Robert’s Tax, and…
2. As soon as the GOP again win the political tripple crown, it will begin to dismantel all consumer assistance and protections, leaving in tact ONLY the obligation to buy an overpriced product from a private owned for mega-profit industry….
… … Therefore, Obamacare will likely end up hurting MOST the very people it was intended to help. This could well be the beginning of “political prisoners” w/indefinite detention in this country.
3. Obamacare does NOT even begin to encourage people to accept any responsibility for their own health or lifestyle decisions that affect their health.
4. Obamacare is NOT financially sustainable in the long term in our “greed is good” consumer driven economy. (That which is detrimental to our nation’s economy is also substantially detrimental to our national security — including such things as the ever-widening wealth gap.)
A renewed effort needs to be made to reach children in public schools at every age, repeatedly, with these messages regarding individual responsibility that is ESSENTIAL in any successful society where there is to be individual liberty:
A. Your overall health –physical, mental, including addictions — WILL affect your economic health and THAT will drastically affect your personal freedom — your individual liberty and equal right under law — by its direct and indirect effect on YOUR personal options –YOUR future choices.
B. Your education will, in no small part, greatly affect your career options and, therefore, your personal freedom — your individual liberty and equal right under law — by its effect on YOUR personal options — YOUR future choices.
@@
August 28th, 2012
6:28 pm
Finn:
Oh, the federal government is asking that we give up our pensions and generous pay to help the people of Georgia? Now it makes so much sense!!!
Wasn’t my point.
California’s welfare rolls are exploding. The state is on the verge of bankruptcy. Taxes are already through the roof in California, and yet…
the public service unions are fighting tooth and nail to keep what’s theirs. I’d be willing to bet you support THEIR greed.
md
August 28th, 2012
6:33 pm
“It is puzzling, however, that Deal does not believe that the government would be able to keep the promise in the long term. Does he doubt that Romney/Ryan will be elected, or does he doubt their promise to bring us economic prosperity?”
A good manager will have a plan for both worse case and best case scenarios………
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 28th, 2012
6:34 pm
The easiest way to get the libs on here to stop pushing for more social programs is to make it illegal to run up a deficit.
The second THEIR taxes have to pay for something, they’ll squeal like pigs to make it stop.
md
August 28th, 2012
6:41 pm
“In Massachusetts.. everyone.”
Might want to double check that one……
Cons Have Been Bamboozled By A Con..heehee
August 28th, 2012
6:43 pm
@ld
August 28th, 2012
6:28 pm
*****************************************************
Since YOU got all the answers WHY DON’T YOU RUN FOR PRESIDENT?
Since you think you are smarter than the average bear go to Washington
and see how far it will get you.
yuzeyurbrane
August 28th, 2012
6:51 pm
td–you are simply incorrect about Georgia’s Medicaid population. The states have a lot of discretion already in how they craft their programs and Georgia has crafted its to be the 2nd lowest benefits in the country. How? First, the lion’s share of the Georgia Medicaid budget goes to nursing homes, which rely on it for 85% of their revenues. Many of these are part of very large for-profit corporate entities and their lobbyist is Rusty Paul, former Exec. Dir. of the Georgia Republican Party and state legislator. They are the source of large campaign donations to Deal and other Republicans. So it is doubtful if Deal will ever cut back on that part of Medicaid. The second largest group of recipients are the young, primarily through Peachcare. And the third are single moms who can only make no more than 75% of the poverty level. No single adults are eligible except in case of emergency. Further, Deal has imposed a 5% budget cut order on traditional Medicaid while only a 3% cut on other state agencies. So under Deal’s policy, nursing homes are probably safe from further cuts, single adults will continue to get no benefits, and cuts will probably be made to benefits for children and single moms. While state Medicaid budget is large, 75% of this is paid by the Federal govt. and 25% by Georgia. Get your facts straight next time.
md
August 28th, 2012
6:52 pm
“One of the major reasons that our medical system is so dis-functional is that care is provided that can not pay for it so others are expected to indirectly pay for it. Here we have the Federal Government helping us out with this issue to some extent for some period of time but we refuse to take the money”
Not sure if you are aware, but one of the reasons the current system is dysfunctional is due to the gov’t “help”. Over the past few decades, that benvolent gov’t has been reducing payments to providers, hospitals, nursing homes, etc…..in essence “cutting costs”. The problem is it DOESN’T cut costs……it SHIFTS costs, as the providers move the pea under the shells until it comes up on your bill.
And now, Obamacare cuts 700 billion to “providers, hospitals, and nursing homes”………do I really need to explain what is about to happen??
David R. Boag, DDS
August 28th, 2012
6:57 pm
It’s NOT free money.
Look at Canada–and my parents live in Detroit and see this all the time–they have a 6 month wait just to get an MRI. So the Canadians come over the border and pay cash for one here. Happens all the time. THEN, you’ve got to wait for treatment once you are “approved.” and all this for only roughly 60% (or more) of your gross income. EVERYONE’S gross income, not just the “rich.” and they’ve had their system in place a LONG time.
Three words: AT WHAT COST?
“Free” health care is anything but free. So is this money. It’s “free” for 3 years, but then it begins to cost more. Anyone have any doubt looking at history that the costs will end up being MUCH higher than we are being sold…I mean told?
If people were being told HONESTLY what it would cost them for “free” health care, there’s NO WAY a majority of Americans would say yes to paying the price in both $ and lifestyle changes in order to get “free” health care. Heck, most complain loudly when they have to pay $4 for a gallon of gas. What happens when suddenly someone paying zero percent tax now has to pay 60% like the Canadians do? Or even 40%? Or what about that 15% that will suddenly have no job, because their “rich” boss can’t afford to pay both the tax and their salary/benefits? Would you give up everything your income allows you to have so you wouldn’t have to pay for your medical care when it was your turn?
md
August 28th, 2012
6:58 pm
“Georgia again fails to see the whole picture. We’re so worried about someone getting something that the rest of us have, we are willing to gain that bit of satisfaction of denying them at the expense of our own long term self interest as a Nation and State.”
There is a fine line between helping those that can’t and enabling those that won’t…………
yuzeyurbrane
August 28th, 2012
7:06 pm
Tiberius–I obviously don’t understand your line of reasoning. On the one hand you seem to acknowledge that the Medicaid for the working poor provision is entirely legal but is optional with each state and on the other you seem to want a citation to some provision in the State Constitution which specifically authorizes Georgia to participate or for that matter spend any money on public health at all? I think, but am not certain, that you are saying that health care should not be a govt. function at all. If so, you are entitled to your opinion with which I would disagree. But if you are saying your opinion is the current state of the law then you are incorrect and have the burden of providing me a legal citation that backs your position. Kindly clarify.
Follow the Law
August 28th, 2012
7:15 pm
There is a big difference here between Obama Care as a whole and this particular subsidy. This is essentially a low cost benefit provided by the Fed Gov. Yes, it is our tax dollars coming back but isn’t better going here than elsewhere. yes, Obama Care may be repealed but can’t we take the benefit until it is repealed. The fact is that the Fed Gov is bankrupting this country by spending Trillions that it does own and may never be able to repay without inflating our way out of it, a la Greece (pre Euro days). But this will happen in any case. By GA saying no, we are taking a stand that hurts those in need and could indirectly benefit others of us since less medical care is given away by the hospitals for free and therefore less cost to pass to those with insurance or who can otherwise pay. GA, take the money and be prepared to end the benefit when the funds stop coming in.