Southern Governors Buck Medicaid Expansion, Will Leave Poor Uninsured

In the wake of the Supreme Court decision allowing states to opt out of the Medicaid provisions of the Affordable Care Act, five southern governors have chosen to abstain from expanding the program in their states. 

Among those refusing are Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) and Texas Governor Rick Perry (R), whose states account for about 20 percent of all potential Medicaid beneficiaries under the ACA.  The other states denying the expansion are Louisiana, South Carolina, and Mississippi.  These governors’ choices leave millions without the health care they need in a time of economic uncertainty.

The Texas Alliance launched a petition this week to demand implementation of the ACA in their state. They will deliver the signatures to the Governor and Texas legislature. If you are a Texas resident, be sure to sign the petition.