Feds Won't Cover Partial Expansion of Medicaid Coverage

That should make it easy to say no

States must cover all adults with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level in order to have the federal government pay for their expanded Medicaid program, the government said Monday.

While states can choose to set their coverage limits at less than 133%, if they do so, the federal government won't pay for 100% of the cost for those newly eligible enrollees as stipulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced.

"Consistent with the law, there is not an option for enhanced match for a partial or phased-in Medicaid expansion," acting CMS administrator Marilyn Tavenner told reporters on a call.