The House has agreed to an expansion of Medicaid – to cover low income North Dakotans who don’t have health insurance.
It’s part of the federal Affordable Care Act – which has been dubbed “Obamacare.” The new coverage will be handled by private insurers – or through a new federal health care insurance exchange.
Rep. Robin Weisz (R-Hurdsfield) chairs the House Human Services Committee. He told his House colleagues the program is fully federally funded – through taxes that came with the ACA.
"If we don't, we will increase the cost to our businesses that will have to insure their employees," said Weisz. "We're increasing the cost to our providers, because not only are some of their costs increasing, we would be doing nothing for bad debt or charity care."
The providers say charity care and unpaid debt amounts to millions of dollars a year.
The federal share will eventually be reduced to 90 percent. But opponents worry that – due to budget problems at the federal level – the state may be left holding the bag for the entire cost.
"I just can't help but feel we're being forced to play the role of Charlie Brown, and Lucy's holding the football," said Rep. Scott Louser (R-Minot).
House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R-Fargo) introduced the bill. He told his House colleagues he thought it was important to have the debate -- although he did not support Miedcaid expansion.
"There's no such thing as free money," said Carlson.
The measure passed 57 - 36 – and will be considered by the Senate.
