Republican and Independent Governors Blast Senate Republican “Healthcare” Bill

Governor John Kasich (R-OH):

“Well, I don't think the bill's adequate now. Unless it gets fixed, I would -- look, I'm against it," Kasich told host Dana Bash on CNN's "State of the Union." Kasich said he needs to ensure that the vulnerable people in his state receive the care they need. "My job, as I see my job as a governor of a state, not as a Republican governor, but the governor of this state, my job is to look not just today, but in the out-years, at the impact it's going to have on people who need help," Kasich continued. [The Hill, 6/25/17]

“I have deep concerns with the details of the U.S. Senate’s plan to fix America’s health care system and the resources needed to help our most vulnerable, including those who are dealing with drug addiction, mental illness, and chronic health problems and have no where else to turn.” [Official Twitter, 6/22/17]

Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NV):

“I am disappointed that Congress did not include us in the consideration of this bill and we have not seen it until today. While the current healthcare system needs improvement, it remains my priority to protect Nevada's expansion population to ensure our most vulnerable, especially individuals with mental illness, the drug addicted, chronically ill, and our children, will always have access to healthcare. Preliminarily, it appears that the proposed bill will dramatically reduce coverage and will negatively impact our future state budgets, which causes me great concern.” [KTVN2 Reno, 6/22/17]

Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ):

“Medicaid must be able to pay for the real-world costs of providing care,” Ducey wrote. Arizona’s Medicaid agency on Friday released an analysis that the draft Senate bill could cost the state roughly $7 billion between 2018 and 2026. [Politico, 6/24/17]

AP: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey says a U.S. Senate proposal repealing much of President Barack Obama's health care law falls short of what is needed to provide for the state's Medicaid population. The Senate bill would largely end the expansion of Medicaid that covers about 14 million Americans, cut the taxes that paid for expansion and end the insurance mandate for individuals and businesses. But it maintains the health insurance marketplaces and tax subsidies that help people pay premiums. The governor sent a letter to Sen. John McCain this week outlining what must be included to get his backing. Ducey spokesman Daniel Scapinato said Friday that an analysis of the Senate proposal shows the five areas Ducey identified aren't addressed. McCain said Thursday he wanted to hear Ducey's opinion before deciding if he supports the bill. Ducey wants a slower phase-out of higher Medicaid expansion matches, higher inflation adjustments, elimination of a penalty for states that expanded parts of Medicaid early, and explicit flexibility for the program covering 1.9 million Arizona. [AP, 6/23/17]

Governor Bill Walker (I-AK):

“Alaskans pay the highest health care premiums in the country. In the Lower 48, a medical emergency typically means a $400 ambulance ride. In Alaska, it often means a $50,000 medevac. Access to affordable health care coverage is critical to provide necessary treatment resources to fight the state’s opioid epidemic. Access to affordable health care coverage is critical to building a Safer Alaska. Access to affordable health care coverage should be a nonpartisan issue. Two years ago, I chose to expand Medicaid coverage. Since then, nearly 34,000 Alaskans have received life-saving care—and peace of mind knowing they have health care coverage. That should be protected. My team and I are analyzing the newly-released discussion draft of the Senate Republican health care bill. Given the population size, vastness, and remote location of Alaska, I am deeply concerned about the potential effects of a one-size-fits-all approach.” [Press Release, 6/22/17]

Governor Phil Scott (R-VT):

“From what I’ve heard, it would be detrimental for Vermont. It isn’t that much different than what was proposed before,” he said. “As I’ve said numerous times, we rely heavily on federal funding in Vermont and we took advantage of the expansion of Medicaid, so we’re very reliant,” Scott said. “Any changes to Medicaid will be an issue for us and could be detrimental.” [Rutland Herald, 6/23/17]

Governor Charlie Baker (R-MA):

“The administration is concerned that upon a first review, this version falls short and will result in significant funding losses for our state,” the governor’s spokeswoman, Lizzy Guyton, said in a statement. “Governor Baker will keep working with other governors, the Congressional delegation, and federal officials to advocate for solutions that work for Massachusetts, including protecting our waiver to support behavioral health and fighting the opioid epidemic and funding for Planned Parenthood.” [Boston Globe, 6/22/17]

Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD):

"We know the current system needs to be fixed, but the proposals that are being considered in Congress do not work for Maryland," Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse said in a statement — the strongest the governor's office has issued on the issue. "Congress should go back to the drawing board in an open, transparent and bipartisan fashion to craft a bill that works for all Americans," she said. [Baltimore Sun, 6/22/17]

Governor Gary Herbert (R-UT):

"I think there's a way to have more bipartisan support, and I would hope that the Republicans would reach across the aisle to get democrats support." [ABC4 Utah, 6/22/17]

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