The GOP-dominated Louisiana Legislature under former Gov. Bobby Jindal had defeated multiple attempts to expand the Medicaid rolls.
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“Under Governor Edwards’ direction, we have begun the process of implementing a cost-effective plan to expand Medicaid coverage”, said Secretary Gee.
Asked for clarification about the meeting, Edwards spokesman Richard Carbo said via text message that Edwards’ staffers “are still coordinating with the White House” and that no meeting beyond the tarmac greeting has yet been set up.
Later during the morning, the incoming first lady, Donna Edwards talked briefly about the big moment for her family and the governor-elect took best wishes from elected officials and others. “I made a promise to the people of Louisiana that I was going to accept our tax dollars back into our state, and I am following through on that commitment”.
Every political leader who was present spoke of early meetings Tuesday, but at the ball there were no talks of budgets or healthcare, just dancing and hope that Monday night’s goodwill carries through the next four hard years ahead.
According to a press release from the Governor’s Office, 350,000 people would benefit from the expansion.
Even as Edwards issued the executive order, several hurdles remain before people will receive Medicaid cards under the expansion. “To help the DHH simplify these enrollment efforts, many Louisiana hospitals and other health care providers have agreed to provide support for additional DHH enrollment staff. This effort will save Louisiana money on administrative costs and place enrollment staff on-site in health care facilities where they can reach more uninsured patients”. Although the federal government covers the initial full cost of a Medicaid expansion program, Louisiana’s price tag will grow to 10 percent in later years.
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Criticism came from conservative organizations and some business groups, raising cost concerns for both the federal and state governments.
