Beebe Says Expanding Medicaid Might Stave Off Cuts
By: Jonathan Athens, KARK 4 News
Updated: November 15, 2012
Democratic Governor Mike Beebe said expanding healthcare coverage to uninsured Arkansans will ultimately reduce costs on hospitals, nursing homes and those who are already insured.
As far as Beebe is concerned, when it comes to moving forward in the Natural State, it will up to state lawmakers to work together because Washington D.C. politics is not going to change.
"The Supreme Court ruled. They didn't throw it out," he said. "People acted and they kept a Democratic Senate, a Republican House and a Democratic President. It isn't likely to change."
Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in downtown Little Rock, Beebe said expanding the program might be the only way to avoid cuts since the state's program is facing a $138 million shortfall.
In order for Arkansas to accept federal dollars to expand the program, three-fourths of the legislature would have to agree.
The political battle lines, Beebe said last week, will likely fall along party lines.
Arkansas Republicans have made it clear they oppose the sweeping federal healthcare measure President Obama pushed through Congress during the first half of his first term in office.
As far as Beebe is concerned, when it comes to moving forward in the Natural State, it will up to state lawmakers to work together because Washington D.C. politics is not going to change.
"The Supreme Court ruled. They didn't throw it out," he said. "People acted and they kept a Democratic Senate, a Republican House and a Democratic President. It isn't likely to change."
Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in downtown Little Rock, Beebe said expanding the program might be the only way to avoid cuts since the state's program is facing a $138 million shortfall.
In order for Arkansas to accept federal dollars to expand the program, three-fourths of the legislature would have to agree.
The political battle lines, Beebe said last week, will likely fall along party lines.
Arkansas Republicans have made it clear they oppose the sweeping federal healthcare measure President Obama pushed through Congress during the first half of his first term in office.
