Eeking past the required three-fourths consensus with a 77-23 final tally, Gov. Mike Beebe, who championed the bill, got nine more representatives to vote yes to a measure that would use new federal dollars granted for broadening Medicaid eligibility criteria as a way to subsidize private insurance for beneficiaries via the health insurance exchanges. The bill still needs three-fourths of the state Senate and HHS’ approval in order to become law.
Arkansas has been a focal point in the Medicaid expansion debate. Gov. Beebe, a Democrat, received HHS approval for the privatization of Medicaid, paving the way for the measure to pass the Republican-controlled legislature and turning the heads of other governors once opposed to adding more people onto the traditional Medicare rolls.
More Articles on Medicaid Expansion:
Report: Safety-Net Hospitals Face Growing Risks of Failure ‘
Arkansas’ Medicaid “Private Option” Fails House Vote
Health Insurance Subsidies to Cost $607B
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