Hutchinson said he continues to oppose the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, but added, “We need to deal with the reality but push to expand the flexibility given to our states”. Hutchinson so far has rejected calls to extend the deadline to respond, even though the federal government allows states to give recipients up to 30 days.
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The Republican governor on Wednesday detailed seven changes he wants lawmakers to consider as they look at the future of the “private option” Medicaid expansion. Six of those seven proposals would require waivers from the federal government.
Implement premiums for individuals with incomes more than 100 percent of the federal poverty level.
The task force is looking for a new model to replace the private option, which is scheduled to end at the end of 2016.
Eliminate non-emergency medical transportation benefits, which would save $14.7 million annually, discourage unnecessary medical visits, and make coverage comparable to private plans.
Another idea of Hutchinson’s is to have some people using the private option to pay a portion of their premium.
The state Hospital Association has credited the program for a $149 million drop in uncompensated care costs previous year.
He said that to implement the plan he outlined, “it’s not required to have that state exchange”.
Lawmakers earlier this year voted to continue the program another year, and formed the task force to look at its future.
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Hutchinson noted the expansion has meant more than $1.4 billion in additional federal health care spending in the state. He said legislators need to work with the Obama administration rather than wait for the next one, which may or may not be more flexible. “We know that mail is getting processed”.
