Despite Budget Language, Virginia Medicaid Won't Expand - Becker's Hospital Review

Despite Budget Language, Virginia Medicaid Won’t Expand

Although Virginia passed a budget recently that opens an avenue for lawmakers to discuss the option of expanding the state’s Medicaid program, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius confirming he would make no decision on the matter in his tenure, which ends this year.

As part of a large transportation bill in the budget legislation, Virginia Democrats insisted language be inserted regarding the expansion before they vote on the bill. As a result, a provision was included that would allow the topic to be discussed on the floor only if certain budget reforms were implemented at the state and federal levels.
Gov. McDonnell has been vocal about his opposition to the state of the national debt and has said he would not approve a larger Medicaid program if it would increase the deficit.

Despite Budget Language, Virginia Medicaid Won’t Expand

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