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Gov. Scott Says Florida Will Negotiate Over Health Care Law


November 14 2012 | WMFE - Governor Rick Scott is dropping his staunch opposition to federal health care reform. Scott, a vocal critic of "Obamacare," said Tuesday that he wants to negotiate with the federal government to implement the new plan in a way that could help Florida families.


Scott previously stated that he would not go along with the parts of health care reform that the state controls. But the governor says, in the wake of the re-election of President Barack Obama, he is now open to discussing the implementation of the new law.

Incoming state House Speaker Will Weatherford agrees and says the state legislature will also have to address the implementation of the federal healthcare law. Weatherford says that includes a discussion of whether the state will expand Medicaid or create its own health insurance exchange where people can compare and purchase health plans.

“Long-term, my hope is that if we have to have an exchange, it is one that maximizes competition and one that maximizes choices for the consumer.” Weatherford said. “If that’s a state exchange, it’s a state exchange and if it’s a federal exchange, it’s a federal exchange.” 

Governor Scott and other state leaders say they are still concerned about the costs that health care reform could potentially mean for both Florida families, businesses and state government.

Florida and other states are expected to tell the federal government by Friday if they intend to set up health insurance exchanges

 

 

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