New Hampshire Senate President Peter Bragdon (R-Milford) will be in Seattle this weekend participating in a Senate Presidents' Forum, a gathering of key legislators from around the country to discuss major issues like Medicaid Expansion.
As the New Hampshire legislative session ended last month, Bragdon led the Republican effort to hold off on Medicaid expansion in the state, opting instead for a study commission to further review this summer and fall what it means for New Hampshire. He questioned whether there would be strings attached, whether the federal government would allow the state to opt out, and if the federal government would fulfill its funding obligation.
Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) and Democrats in the House and Senate remain optimistic the state will proceed with expansion, as part of the Affordable Care Act, after the study commission reports back in mid-October.
They argue New Hampshire stands to lose an estimated $422 million in this biennium alone, should the state forgo expansion.
By one estimate at the beginning of June, 21 states were opting out of Medicaid expansion. Supporters warn states stand to miss out on 100 percent federal payment of expansion for the first three years, after which time the share would decline to 90 percent by 2020.
Bragdon reiterated during a meeting with constituents in Milford last month that state policy leaders should have all questions answered before taking the step.
Residents Steve Morgan and Rick Katzenberg noted in a recent blog post on Milford Patch that the federal government has answered some of his concerns, starting with written assurances that states can opt-out of Medicaid expansion -- per language of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling a year ago.
Bragdon and Republicans in majority control of the New Hampshire Senate, during debate on the issue in June, questioned the tax impact for businesses and residents, both in the short-term and long-term.
During that constituent meeting in Milford, Bragdon underscored as much. He said he also declined to use the phrase "Obamacare" when talking about the Affordable Care Act, lest anyone consider it derogatory or partisan (even though President Obama and the White House occasionally use the term).
But at that meeting in Milford, Morgan -- speaking with audience members before the Senate President arrived -- said no one should kid themselves: it's all political.
Medicaid is a federal-state program that helps pay for health care for the needy, aged, blind and disabled, and certain low-income families with children.
On the web: Medicaid.gov
(Note: The Senate President's office adds that the Senate Presidents' Forum, a non-partisan and non-profit organization, is paying the travel expenses of attendees.)
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