Jim Shella is reporting on political opposition to Gov. Pence’s view that Indiana should not take part in the Medicaid expansion part of the federal health care reform legislation. The Supreme Court held that states should have the ability to opt out.
Sen. Lanane says that if Indiana does opt out, it will be known as an “island of the uninsured.” On the map, if memory serves, the Island of the Uninsured is roughly southwest of the Island of the Misfit Toys across the Sea of Bad Ideas.
I think we’re going to pay the federal taxes anyway. The main question is whether they’ll come back to Indiana in the form of Medicaid dollars that will support 400,000 Hoosiers. The law provides for 100% federal funding through the first few years and 90% thereafter. There is a long term concern for those who don’t much like Medicaid in the first place; and I think Gov. Pence is one of those. The concern is that, sure, the federal government is funding the program now and promises to fund the lion’s share in the future; but what’s to say it won’t renege on that promise?
From that perspective, I think you have to figure out the lesser of evils. On the one hand, a potential financial burden for the state in the future that the state can opt out of if it’s bad enough; on the other hand hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers not getting health care coverage, leading to more sick and dead citizens, despite millions of Hoosiers paying federal taxes that could be available to fund that coverage locally instead of in other states. Seems like a no brainer to me, but then I don’t have political purity to worry about. By contrast, Gov. Pence doesn’t want to end up like Sen. Lugar.
Have a very serious concern that hoping new health care plan will address. That is, there is currently no provider for child only health insurance in Indiana if you do not qualify for the low income Hoosier Health Watch program.
>> By contrast, Gov. Pence doesn’t want to end up like Sen. Lugar. <<
Politically pure or respected at the end of his career? Hard choice indeed.
Just reviewed the latest postings for probable/possible R candidates for president for 2016. The pundits now are listing Pence in the top 10 most likely candidates. Truthfully this is kind of hard to believe in that as a member of congress he was a back seater having never sponsored a major piece of legislation, and so far as governor he has sought to avoid any real solid positions on anything. But, the Rs did run Romney.
Jack, I would also find this hard to believe. Pence keep a few party faithful happy, but your assessment of him was the opinion I share. An empty suit.
And from a presidential profile. He misses the mark. Short and stocky with a workingman’s face and a grey mop. I don’t like to judge people by their looks (other than potential sex parnters), but we elect presidents that are generally well built men over six feet
Jack and what did Obama ever do in Illinois?
Obama got elected to the Senate and then to two terms to the big one. What the hell does anything else matter?
I forget how it was phrased, but something about how the winner of Presidential elections was almost always the guy that the ladies would be more attracted to as a date (not necessarily as a policymaker.) Seemed to work:
Obama more attractive than McCain or Romney
Bush more attractive than Kerry or Gore.
Clinton more attractive than Bush II or Dole.
Bush II more attractive than Dukakis.
Reagan more attractive than Carter or Mondale.
Romney could at least fall back on being a businessman. What’s Pence going to fall back on – I was a right-wing talk-radio host and didn’t end up hooked on drugs?
I heard a segement on NPR yesterday about two Republican governors finally breaking down and agreeing to take take the Medicaid expansion.
Brewer of AZ and Kasich of Ohio will expand Medicaid. As one would imagine, the hospital and medical lobbies worked them very hard on this issue. The quid pro quo for cuts under the ACA were an expanded pool of patients. They need the dues.
This is what happens when you elect an idealogue to an administrative position. Pence has all these whacko right wing and social instincts that get in the way of sound management — or more importantly would affect the quality of life of ALL hoosiers. Thus far, he has kep those extremist instincts in check, but he has strayed on obamacare. Ttis decision will end up costing indiana tax payers, and more importantly affect the health care of many citizens…..
Kids, this is why you don’t vote for anyone to the right of Eugene Debs for state offices and higher.
Now you tell them!
You may loose health care professional to Ohio and Il. as paying customers will attract recent graduate. There is nothing like a well paying job to help pay off those student loans.