Governor Brewer achieved her goal of Medicaid expansion in Arizona, but at what cost?

This expansion is part of Obamacare, the troubling, and still unpopular, government takeover of healthcare. Remember, “we have to pass the bill to see what is in it.”

The usual legislative process, led by Rep. John Kavanagh and others, succeeded in removing Medicaid expansion from the budget. Not accepting defeat, the governor called a special session. Normal rules were suspended, Medicaid expansion was re-introduced. Debate and questions for the bill’s sponsors were not allowed, and Medicaid expansion was enacted with all Democrats, and some Republicans, voting for it. Most Republicans opposed Medicaid expansion.

There is no way to predict the number of new people to be added to Medicaid, so the actual (likely huge) cost is anybody’s guess. Expansion would require Arizona to come up with at least 10 percent of the cost, which will come from a hospital “bed fee.” Who will pay this “fee?” Anyone who uses a hospital in Arizona, meaning us.

Up to 90 percent of the cost, short term, would come from the federal government. We all know that money from the federal government is actually our money, or borrowed money that is being added to our enormous national debt.

This is not in the best interest of Arizonans. Spending more “federal” money is not in the best interest of American taxpayers. A grassroots effort is under way to bring this issue to a vote by the people.

This is one of the timely topics which will be discussed at the next meeting of Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party on Tuesday, July 16, 6:30 p.m. at the FHUSD Learning Center. Also on the agenda – “immigration reform.”

Come listen, learn, and share. Please join us and bring a friend. For more information, visit www.fhteaparty.org.