Once Virginia Republicans get through this year’s election, they’ll be much more willing to expand Medicaid, according to Virginia Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
McAuliffe — whose second attempt to expand the state’s Medicaid program under Obamacare was blocked this year by Republicans — said he chalks up the GOP resistance to political, not practical, concerns.
Republican members are hesitant to embrace a major part of the health care law because they’re “terrified” it would open the door to a challenger from the right, he said Monday morning at an event in Arlington designed to tout the law’s benefits on its fifth anniversary.
“They’re worried about a Tea Party primary challenge, it’s as plain and simple as that,” McAuliffe said.
But once the state’s general election is over in November, McAuliffe said he’s holding out hope that at least some Republicans will come over to his side. Ever since taking office last year, he has tried to convince the GOP-led House and Senate to expand Medicaid, but both chambers have so far refused, citing concerns about the cost to the state.
“I’m hoping once we get through this election season…we can get something done,” McAuliffe said. “So I’m reasonably optimistic.”
Virginia is one of 22 states that have chosen not to expand their Medicaid programs to those earning up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, instead sticking with their leaner programs. Advocates for the health care law have urged states to go along with expansion, which is a major way the legislation expands health coverage to lower-income Americans.
Virginia could choose to expand Medicaid in a unique fashion, like adding requirements that beneficiaries help to cover some of the bill, as other Republican-led states have done. McAuliffe said Monday he’s open to seeking approval from the Obama administration for an alternative expansion program.
“It is clear we need to get through the election,” he said. “I think once that’s done…we could do some kind of hybrid as other states have done.”
