Sebelius says Texas losing $79 billion by rejecting Medicaid expansion

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By Jim Fuquay

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DALLAS — Texas is leaving $79 billion of federal money on the table by refusing to expand its Medicaid program, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told Dallas officials on Thursday.

Sebelius was in North Texas to promote the upcoming Oct. 1 launch of the state’s federally run Health Insurance Marketplace, a key component of the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare. The marketplace, or exchange, is an online site where consumers can shop for private health insurance coverage and also see if they qualify for federal tax credits to offset the cost of premiums.

While Gov. Rick Perry and Texas lawmakers have steadfastly refused to expand Medicaid, the federal-state health program for the poor, Sebelius said Texas leaders can revisit the issue at any time. The Medicaid expansion is “fully paid for” with federal funds, she said, noting that “without Medicaid expansion, there are 2.5 million Texans that really won’t have access to affordable medical care.”

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/09/26/5196364/sebelius-says-texas-losing-79.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

[DhhD]

1. That $79 Billion is going to other states that accepted the Medicaid Expansion.

They will receive even more than first figured. How much of the Texas share will end up in, for instance, New Mexico, while Texas taxpayers foot the Medicaid bill in Texas?

[Ilsa]

2. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE OF OUR GOVERNMENT!

Screw you, PRick Perry.

[Rstrstx]

3. Potentially one of the biggest campaign issues in '14

Unless Rick has a change of heart and takes the money. Wendy could make this one of the top issues, if not the top issue, in her campaign.