Richardville supports resolution against Nebraska Compromise
LANSING — The Michigan Senate today approved a resolution calling on the U.S. government to remove language from federal health care legislation that would exempt Nebraska from paying a share of expanded Medicaid costs, said Sen. Randy Richardville, who co-sponsored the measure.
“Exempting only one state, Nebraska, from paying the additional Medicaid costs, while requiring the 49 other states to pay is wrong,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “This state should not be treated differently than all the rest when it comes to these federal mandates. We should not have to pay for Medicaid for Nebraska residents if they are not required to contribute as well.”
Senate Resolution 107 calls on the president, the U.S. Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services secretary to remove the so-called “Nebraska Compromise” from the final version of the federal health care legislation.
The Nebraska Compromise to U.S. House Resolution 3590, the federal health care measure as passed by the U.S. Senate, favors one state to the detriment of 49 states.
Bills approved by the U.S. Congress would expand the Medicaid program by making all nonelderly people with incomes below at least 133 percent of the poverty level eligible for Medicaid. Under the compromise, Nebraska would be exempt from paying its share of the expanded Medicaid coverage.
Nearly one in five Michigan residents are enrolled in Medicaid and the program accounts for about 20 percent of the state’s budget.
“Michigan is facing extreme financial difficulties,” said Richardville. “Medicaid services already require a substantial portion of the state budget. We cannot afford an increase in these costs.”
Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2010
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