McCrory signs bill blocking Medicaid expansion
Source: Charlotte Observer
RALEIGH Gov. Pat McCrory signed legislation Wednesday that rejects major components of the federal health care law, denying about 500,000 low-income people health care coverage under an expanded Medicaid program.
The measure also prevents North Carolina from establishing a state-sponsored marketplace for health insurance, giving the control to the federal government, which will begin selling policies on the exchange in October.
McCrory voiced support for the controversial measure as it progressed through the General Assembly and reiterated his concerns about the state’s current system and inability to absorb new participants, particularly after a state audit showed misspending and administrative troubles in the system.
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A number of prominent Republican governors who opposed the federal law, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a close McCrory ally, have agreed to expand Medicaid. At this point, roughly 28 states plan to expand coverage or appear likely to do so, while 17 states are not participating or leaning against it. Another five are undecided.
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The number of state residents who receive Medicaid is already expected to increase as those currently eligible but not covered seek coverage because of the federal insurance mandate. Those people “coming out of the woodwork” will cost the state roughly $900 million over eight years.
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/03/07/3898034/mccrory-signs-bill-blocking-medicaid.html
This Republican dominated government in Raleigh is a nightmare. Another bill they're considering is killing off the state income tax in favor of increasing the state sales tax and taxing things that currently aren't taxed under state law, including groceries, medical care, and more services. These Republicans are showing a total disdain for the poor and middle class in NC. I hope the idiots who voted for these fascists are GREATLY feeling the pinch and regretting their votes.
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He just got in for four years to do his scorch Earth strategy. He will be taken cared of by his benefactors though after public life. He is bought and paid for. Popular Democratic politicians in North Carolina looked out for their own self interests and it took a toll on the state party. Think about the damage these people did to the Party image. Men like the Durham prosecutor, North Carolina Governor and corruption on the staff of the previous governor. Not only that, North Carolina's most famous Democrat ( John Edwards) gave that image a hit. There was also the attack on the University of North Carolina's athletic program by the NCAA. Erskine Bowles was in charge. Yep, the very same Erskine Bowles running around the country pushing cuts. He refused to run for Governor too because he is really a conservative. He just as well be in the Republican Party because him and Simpson are two peas on a pod. I wouldn't trust any scheme manufactured by Erskine Bowles. He is in the same business as Romney was.
