theRightScoop: Mark Levin explains how the states, run by Republican governors and in coordination with the Republican House, can gut a big part of Obamacare during Obama’s second term. And this isn’t some pipe dream he’s talking about, but a real possibility, perhaps even likely:
"If enough governors say ‘no’ to expanding Medicaid in these state exchanges because they know eventually it will break their banks at the state level…and the House of Representatives controlled by the Republicans say ‘no, we’re not going to spend hundreds of billions more for these federal exchanges to massively expand Medicaid which already takes up almost 50% of the redistribution of wealth, that is all federal transfers…then a big part of Obamacare will have been gutted."
You see, the ObamaCare legislation provides for the states to decide whether they'll create state-run health insurance exchanges...or not. At least 24 states have refused to set up these exchanges thus far, with more leaning in that direction. Here's what a few of the governors from those states have said concerning their decisions not to pursue these exchanges:
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley:
“The Affordable Care Act is neither affordable nor does it actually improve health care. Congress and the President have said they want to work together to solve the fiscal crisis facing this country, and I suggest they start with this health care bill.”
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal:
“I would support a free market-based approach that could serve as a useful tool for Georgia’s small businesses, but federal guidelines forbid that.”
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback:
“My administration will not partner with the federal government to create a state-federal partnership insurance exchange because we will not benefit from it and implementing it could cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars.”
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman:
“A state exchange is nothing more than the state administering the Affordable Care Act with all the important and critical decisions made by the federal government… It is simply too expensive to do a state insurance exchange.”
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin:
“It does not benefit Oklahoma taxpayers to actively support and fund a new government program that will ultimately be under the control of the federal government, that is opposed by a clear majority of Oklahomans and that will further the implementation of a law that threatens to erode both the quality of American health care and the fiscal stability of the nation.”
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley:
“You are asking us to commit to restrictions that we aren’t even aware of yet.”
Texas Governor Rick Perry:
“As long as the federal government has the ability to force unknown mandates and costs upon our citizens, while retaining the sole power in approving what an exchange looks like, the notion of a state exchange is merely an illusion.”
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker:
“It’s like saying you’re going to get a house, the federal government’s going to design the interior, all the amenities, the furniture, everything else, and the only thing left is they ask you if you want blinds or curtains. And you’re co-signing the mortgage. So you really don’t have a decision about what’s going on, but you are putting your taxpayers at risk.”
