Corbett Tweaks Medicaid Proposal
By Tony Romeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Governor Corbett is proposing a new approach to job search requirements as he negotiates with the Obama administration over his alternative proposal to expansion of Medicaid.
Governor Corbett wants to use federal Medicaid dollars to fund private coverage for thousands of uninsured. But he wants to tie that coverage to job search and training requirements, which the Obama administration opposes.
In the waiver application he made last month, Corbett proposed not to enforce job-related requirements in the first year. Now, his Policy Director, Jennifer Branstetter, says the governor has asked the Health and Human Services Secretary to instead allow a one-year pilot program which would give premium discounts to folks who voluntarily comply.
"He asked her very point blank and said, 'Please give Pennsylvania a chance. Please give Pennsylvania a chance to come back to you after a one year pilot and share the data.'"
A decision about year two would be made after the feds and state officials review year one data.