“This is not Medicaid expansion,” Jennifer Branstetter, the governor's policy director, told the Tribune-Review.
Communications Director Lynn Lawson said Corbett “does not support growing an entitlement program, as he has been very clear about the need for reform. There are a number of interesting options to consider, and they are currently under review.”
One option could be to utilize private-sector health plans, rather than increase Medicaid enrollment. Iowa and Arkansas are considering such an approach. That would enable the states to get federal money for backing expansion and buy private insurance for low-income residents.
About 800,000 Pennsylvanians don't have insurance.
Since January, Corbett has negotiated with the federal Health and Human Services Department on Medicaid, asking for more flexibility in administering the program. He wants reforms that include premiums for people on Medicaid above certain income levels and work requirements for those enrolled.
On Monday, he'll likely formalize those negotiating points into a plan to present to HHS.
