Let's try to figure out why Republicans refuse to accept the Federal Government's offer to expand Medicaid coverage in Florida. The 'cynic' in me would say it is because Republicans want the less fortunate in the state to continue suffering unnecessarily. They already forced drug tests under Rick Scott for benefits, which cost the state money, because the assumption that the less fortunate are on drugs at some high rate compared to the average population is wildly incorrect. It also is, of course, a coincidence that Scott's wife helped run the company that processed the drug tests, resulting in the Scotts making money off the whole process, but what does one expect from Rick Scott? He was already responsible for the largest Medicare scam and settlement in history. So, I think the cynicism is reasonably placed. DeSantis then cost billions and fights mice in Orlando. Why do we keep electing these... people?
So now that my screed is over, let's look at their public reasoning.
They claim to fear that these improved health outcomes are a risk... because 'what if' the federal government changes their mind. Then the state would be left to pay for it. Seriously. This is one of their main arguments against it. We all know the Republicans would just drop it, so this argument is DOA in my opinion, but it is one of their main arguments, so just think about it for a moment. Someday, potentially, maybe, somehow, the state would need to help lift people up. Oh, the horror. That hypothetical situation is their argument against real help, today, for real people. Medicaid expansion is proven to help save lives and improve the health of people, but their own arguments are against that. Some leaders, huh?
Their other argument is the same old public vs. private argument. They believe it is an overreach for the government to help pay for the health of citizens. They want private solutions. What solutions? Who knows, they don't ever share them. Just like with their ACA 'Repeal and Replace' bumper sticker ads, they never actually share a 'solution,' simply slogans.