Despite Protests, Bill Moving Medicaid Expansion Decisions Heads to Gov. Deal

Republicans like Senate Health and Human Services Chairman Renee Unterman said since the legislature is in charge of passing the budget, it should also make decisions about Medicaid expansion.

“The intent is to protect Georgia from the long-term and significant consequences of such a decision on the budget, and we do write the budget with House members, honest citizens and the state economy.”  

Unterman also spoke out against Medicaid expansion.

“Expansion would require either cuts to other areas of the budget or an increase in tax revenue. This would endanger our K-12 education our colleges and our universities. Medicaid and other services to the vulnerable and needy account for 80 percent of our state budget.”

But Democrats argued the measure is another attempt to block parts of the Affordable Care Act and would tie the hands of future governors.

Senate minority leader Steve Henson was one of those speaking against the bill. He questioned why the governor was allowing the measure to move forward.

“To see it trying to give up and cede a responsibility that should be in his office is highly concerning and not consistent with what we usually see from the second floor. I think that is because they feel the will of Georgia citizens, the majority of Georgia citizens, see Medicaid expansion as a benefit to our state, and they want to put a barrier to something that will save lives.”

Democrats were joined in their opposition to the measure by Republican Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, who administers anesthesia at medical facility in Rome. He said he doesn’t like the Affordable Care Act but he’s worried about how the decision not to expand Medicaid under the act could affect hospitals.

“By not expanding we’re telling them we’re not going to let you get federal money for patients that you’re forced to treat for free, but the state’s not going to pay for them either. You have to treat them for free and figure it out. I’m very concerned this stance will cause more hospitals to close.”

Senators voted on the bill after Republicans voted to limit debate.

The action also came after at least 40 Moral Monday protestors, who advocated for Medicaid expansion, were arrested. Those who were arrested had staged protests throughout the state Capitol Tuesday.