Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam Open to Expanding Medicaid

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has indicated in a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that the state and federal officials continue to work together to craft a Medicaid expansion plan, according to a report from The Hill.

Earlier this year, Gov. Haslam announced he won't expand Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. However, he has pushed for an alternate plan to use federal funding to purchase private health insurance coverage for uninsured people. Previous reports indicated the state and federal governments were conducting negotiations concerning the plan.

"We appreciate your willingness to work with us as we attempt to craft a plan that will best address the needs of the people of Tennessee and draw support from the elected officials who represent them," Gov. Haslam wrote in his letter to Secretary Sebelius, according to the report.

Kingsport, Tenn.-based Wellmont Health System, Mountain States Health Alliance in Johnson City, Tenn., and the Tennessee Hospital Association have pushed for Medicaid expansion, warning of potential hospital service cuts and job losses if the state doesn't extend the program.

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