What people are saying about Gov. Rick Scott's Medicaid expansion announcement

Gov. Rick Scott's announcement that he would support Florida receiving federal dollars to expand Medicaid made national news. Here is a round up of some of the reaction from friends and foes, including a few who may be switching from one side to the other.

Attorney General Pam Bondi via Twitter (@PamBondi):

“Concerned about consequences of greater fed control over healthcare, a major expansion of govt. At least FL lawsuit gave each state a choice.”

Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith of Ft. Lauderdale via Twitter (@SenChrisSmith):

“Medicaid expansion, Obamacare, teacher bonuses who is this guy?”

John Lacquey, president of North Central Florida Tea Party:

“We’ve been after him not to set up the health care exchanges, so I thought that meant 'no' on everything. So undoubtedly it doesn’t. … I am not interested in more government of any kind. We are interested in less government less spending at all levels.”

Henry Kelley of the Florida Tea Party Network via Twitter (@henrykelley):

Will Medicaid Expansion cover me for the knife @FLGovScott just buried in my back?”

Ethan Rome, executive director of Health Care for America Now:

“People's heads are probably exploding at tea party headquarters across the country, and that’s because we may have just witnessed a crucial turning point in the Republican’s hyper-partisan opposition to the Affordable Care Act. If there was ever any question that Obamacare would be fully implemented, we got the answer today from one of the leaders of the anti-Obamacare movement.

Rick Scott has disregarded his own orthodoxy and put responsible governing over reckless partisan politics and extremism. Scott came around to what everyone has known all along: accepting federal funds to extend Medicaid to 1.3 million Floridians is good for hospitals, businesses, state and local governments and, most importantly, the people who need health care. This is a good day for health care and for all Americans who believe solving problems is more important than scoring political points.”

Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes:

“While today’s letter from the federal government on the progress of Florida’s Medicaid waiver is welcomed news, it does not influence the decision to expand Medicaid in our state. The House Select Committee on PPACA has and will continue to have separate discussions on that issue and will make a principled recommendation in the best interest of all Floridians."

Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida:

“Regardless of where any individual stood on the Affordable Health Care Act on Election Day, the dilemma facing policy leaders and businesses resolving the challenges of the future of health care policy in Florida is enormous. AIF will continue to encourage the Legislature to best utilize federal funding to provide coverage to more Floridians in a manner that best safeguards Florida's citizens and protects its financial health.”

Linda Quick, president of South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association:

“Our member hospitals routinely meet the needs of those who are uninsured.  We hope the Legislature will agree to offer this public payment support and look forward to working with the State to assure coverage for these patients.”



Ethan Rome, executive director of Health Care for America Now:

“People's heads are probably exploding at tea party headquarters across the country, and that’s because we may have just witnessed a crucial turning point in the Republican’s hyper-partisan opposition to the Affordable Care Act. If there was ever any question that Obamacare would be fully implemented, we got the answer today from one of the leaders of the anti-Obamacare movement.

Rick Scott has disregarded his own orthodoxy and put responsible governing over reckless partisan politics and extremism. Scott came around to what everyone has known all along: accepting federal funds to extend Medicaid to 1.3 million Floridians is good for hospitals, businesses, state and local governments and, most importantly, the people who need health care. This is a good day for health care and for all Americans who believe solving problems is more important than scoring political points.”

Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes:

“While today’s letter from the federal government on the progress of Florida’s Medicaid waiver is welcomed news, it does not influence the decision to expand Medicaid in our state. The House Select Committee on PPACA has and will continue to have separate discussions on that issue and will make a principled recommendation in the best interest of all Floridians."

Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida:

“Regardless of where any individual stood on the Affordable Health Care Act on Election Day, the dilemma facing policy leaders and businesses resolving the challenges of the future of health care policy in Florida is enormous. AIF will continue to encourage the Legislature to best utilize federal funding to provide coverage to more Floridians in a manner that best safeguards Florida's citizens and protects its financial health.”

Linda Quick, president of South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association:

“Our member hospitals routinely meet the needs of those who are uninsured.  We hope the Legislature will agree to offer this public payment support and look forward to working with the State to assure coverage for these patients.”