Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer plans to push for an expansion of the state's Medicaid program under the federal health care law.
Brewer has opposed the federal health care law known as the Affordable Care Act, citing worries over a potential overreliance on federal funding.
But Brewer told lawmakers in her annual State of the State address on Monday that virtually all of the expansion would be funded by the federal government.
She said increase would also include a "circuit-breaker" that would automatically roll back enrollment if federal reimbursement rates decrease.
"It's a step in the right direction, obviously the devil is always in the details and we'll have to see the proposal from her, but it's a very good sign the governor's talking about pursuing medicaid expansion," said Democratic House Minority Leader Rep. Chad Campbell.
Brewer's decision is being closely watched by other Republican governors who are weighing a similar decision.
Seventeen states and Washington D.C. have now signed onto the expansion, and nine have opted out. The rest are weighing the decision.
Statement of Betsey Bayless, President and CEO of the Maricopa Integrated Health System
This is a historic moment and I applaud Gov. Brewer for her politically courageous decision to expand Arizona's Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. The Governor has recognized the staggering human cost to Arizona families without health insurance and the increasing financial burden to hospitals can only be alleviated by taking strong action. The Governor also recognizes that AHCCCS is a national model and "gold standard" for cost-effective, managed care.
It is to the Governor's credit that she has stepped forward and taken this position so forthrightly. The people of Arizona are well served by Gov. Brewer and her commitment to the people of this state.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:28:29 GMT
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:40 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:40:39 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:15:21 GMT
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
Gov. Jan Brewer, State of the State address
