McAuliffe introduces budget amendment to pursue planning for Medicaid expansion

Governor Terry McAuliffe proposed a budget amendment restoring his authority to pursue planning for Medicaid expansion.

The Governor made the decision to include the amendment following last week’s news that the AHCA, President Trump’s replacement for Obamacare, failed to receive the necessary support in Congress.

“Failing to expand Medicaid has cost Virginia $10.4 billion and has left 400,000 of our residents without healthcare,” said Governor McAuliffe. “President Trump’s attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act failed and even Speaker Ryan has said that Obamacare is the law of the land for the foreseeable future. The time has come for us to bring our taxpayer dollars back to serve the individuals who need them the most. With this amendment, I’m asking the General Assembly to work with me to pursue Medicaid expansion and put this funding to work for our most vulnerable Virginians”

The Governor’s proposed amendment restores authority for him, on or after October 1, 2017, to direct the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to expand Medicaid if the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains in place at that time. Any savings would be reserved for appropriation by the 2018 General Assembly.

This measure guarantees a rapid response to the evolving health care landscape and ensures that Virginians can take advantage of any new opportunities presented by changes in federal programs.

“As a doctor, I have a firsthand understanding of the enormous benefits of having access to quality and affordable healthcare. Moreover, every day we don’t expand Medicaid, Virginians send millions of dollars of their taxes to other states. It is time to put politics aside, and do what is right— from both a moral and business perspective— and expand Medicaid for up to 400,000 hardworking Virginians,” Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, a candidate for the 2017 Democratic Party gubernatorial nomination, said in a statement on the news.

Northam’s opponent in the Democratic Party governor’s race, Tom Perriello, responded to the announcement in a series of tweets Monday afternoon.

This is the right move. We must move aggressively now to expand Medicaid in Virginia & ensure more people have access to the care they need. https://t.co/iQfFR5oIaH

— Tom Perriello (@tomperriello) March 27, 2017

As even @SpeakerRyan noted: ACA is the law of the land. Now, we must make it work for all Virginians. That begins with expanding Medicaid.

— Tom Perriello (@tomperriello) March 27, 2017

Virginia Rs: the AHCA debacle showed DC Rs are willing to stick states with the tab. If we don’t expand Medicaid, we stand to lose billions.

— Tom Perriello (@tomperriello) March 27, 2017

Click here to view the Governor’s press conference: https://youtu.be/n3nyVtqjEA8.