Judge Pfiffner denies injunction for Medicaid expansion

On Friday, an Anchorage judged ruled that Medicaid expansion will be allowed to proceed on September 1^st, but the underlying legal questions have not yet been fully resolved.

The Alaska Legislative Council has sued Governor Bill Walker for unilaterally accepting federal funds to expand Medicaid to individuals between ages 18 and 64 who fall below 130% of the federal poverty level. The expansion is part of the Affordable Care Act. The Council’s lawsuit alleges that Walker does not have the authority to accept the funds or to add a new group to those qualified to receive Medicaid benefits.

Friday’s ruling was on the Legislative Council’s request for a restraining order or injunction, which would have stopped the expansion from going into effect on September 1^st. Judge Pfiffner’s ruling means that the process may continue. The lawsuit itself will continue.

On Friday afternoon, Governor Walker issued a press release praising the ruling, which he says will ensure healthcare to over 20,000 Alaskans.