Think tank challenges ballot measure to expand Medicaid coverage

The Associated Press - May 10, 2019 10:10 am

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A conservative Oklahoma think-tank is challenging a plan to ask voters to expand Medicaid coverage to tens of thousands of uninsured working poor people.

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs filed its challenge late Thursday with the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The free-market think-tank contends the proposed ballot title doesn’t accurately describe what the measure does. They also argue it unconstitutionally cedes state power to the federal government.

Expanding Medicaid eligibility under the federal Affordable Care Act would extend health insurance to those earning up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $33,000 for a family of four. About 90% of the cost of the expansion would be funded with federal dollars.

Republican leaders have balked at expanding Medicaid, arguing the state’s 10% share would cost too much.

 

Latest Stories

Biden Welcomes Trump Back to Oval Office in Traditional Power Transfer Ceremony

WASHINGTON (TNND) — President-elect Donald Trump traveled to Washington, D.C. Wednesday to meet with President Joe Biden...

Wildcat Jazz-Cats Jazz Ensemble and the Bella Voce Take the Stage

Enjoy a night of incredible music on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 PM at the Concert...

Oklahoma Bets on Bitcoin Boom, Muskogee Locals Worry About Noise From Crypto Mining

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Oklahoma lawmakers are betting on bitcoin to bring more jobs to the...