Michigan should reform Medicaid before considering a one-size-fits-all expansion.
LANSING, Mich.—Americans for Prosperity-Michigan today urged lawmakers to oppose expanding the Medicaid program, as allowed (but not required) under President Obama’s health care law. The group has also cautioned against reforms that would not give Michigan meaningful flexibility to implement Medicaid in a common sense and compassionate way.
“It’s the Obama Administration’s long con,” said Annie Patnaude, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity-Michigan. “The Medicaid expansion is designed to entice state lawmakers into accepting the federal government’s one-size-fits-all approach. We’re here to tell them expanding Medicaid is not the right policy for Michigan.”
Americans for Prosperity-Michigan says state lawmakers should petition the federal government for a Medicaid block grant that would provide needed flexibility. So far, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has been unwilling to consider block grants. HHS also rejected waiver requests from California, which proposed charging copays ranging from $3 for preferred drug prescriptions to $5 for doctor visits, and Illinois, which proposed a fraud prevention program that would include address and income verification.
“It’s a failed system that doesn’t deliver good health outcomes for patients or good value to taxpayers,” said Patnaude. “We shouldn’t expand a failed system, especially when the federal government hasn’t shown any intention of fixing it. Governor Snyder wants to put Michigan in the driver’s seat of a get-away car. We’re urging state lawmakers to refuse to be complicit in the federal government’s takeover of our health care.”
AFP-Michigan activists have so far sent more than a thousand emails to their legislators opposing the Medicaid expansion. The group will continue its efforts to rally grassroots opposition to expanding Medicaid.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org
