Governor Rick Snyder says he’s ready to negotiate with skeptical Republicans on expanding the state’s Medicaid program.
As The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta reports, some G-O-P lawmakers say they might consider it in exchange for an overhaul of the program.
The new federal healthcare law pledges money to states that expand their Medicaid program. But many Republicans are resisting cooperation with the law.
Governor Snyder says expanding Medicaid expansion would mean fewer emergency room visits, and save taxpayers money.
“It’s a human case, too, it’s not just a fiscal case. It’s about people’s real health, and that translates into dollars and cents, but let’s think about healthier Michiganders.”
The governor says he’s willing to consider ideas like more co-pays for services or screening for drug use. But Snyder says he’d also like to see incentives for healthy lifestyles included, too.
The governor wants the new state budget done by June first.