Fla. Economists To Discuss Affordable Care Act's Budget Impact
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) — Most people understand that implementing the Affordable Care Act would impact Florida's budget, but state economists want to know exactly how much.
The economists will meet Aug. 14 to revise estimates of the Act's impact, including costs related to a potential expansion of Medicaid eligibility.
Gov. Rick Scott has already said the state will not move forward with the optional expansion, which he argues would be too expensive.
The economists also will look at issues such as part of the law that calls for increasing the pay of primary-care physicians who treat Medicaid patients. The pay hikes are separate from the Medicaid eligibility expansion, though Eric Pridgeon, a top House staffer on health-budget issues, said Friday state officials are still seeking clarification on the issue and that a "consensus" has not been reached that Florida must go along with increasing physician reimbursements. The federal government would initially pay for the reimbursement increases.
Jane Johnson, a Scott health adviser, said another issue has been raised about requirements in the federal law that employers provide health insurance to their employees. Johnson said that could increase costs for nursing homes and other types of health providers that serve Medicaid beneficiaries.
Those costs ultimately could be passed through to the Medicaid program.
The News Service Of Florida contributed to this report.
