Gov. Scott, Sec. Sebelius To Discuss Medicaid Changes
TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Making health care more affordable for more Floridians and the Obama administration's Affordable Care Act will be the main focus of a meeting Monday between Gov. Rick Scott and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Scott has been a vocal critic of so-called "Obamacare" but softened his stance after the election, saying he was willing to work with federal officials. He's repeatedly expressed concerns about potential costs to Florida taxpayers.
Florida must decide whether to expand its Medicaid rolls, which could extend coverage to roughly 900,000 low-income residents.
The state will also decide whether to pursue a partnership or let federal officials run a state health exchange. The exchange is an online marketplace where residents and small businesses can shop for coverage.
Florida spent about $21 billion on Medicaid this year to cover nearly 3 million people.
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