Mat-Su Assembly Votes to Encourage Medicaid Reform, Expansion by State

This week, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted to send a letter in support of Governor Bill Walker’s Medicaid expansion and reform bill.

Matthew Beck, whose district includes the City of Palmer, proposed the letter, saying he believes it will result in long-term savings for the state.

“It looks like it’s going to save the state lots of money in the long run, which will in turn directly have an impact on the Mat-Su, our borough, and our citizens.”

Vern Halter, who represents the area from Meadow Lakes to the Upper Valley, also spoke in favor of supporting Medicaid expansion.

“…The number of jobs it would produce statewide, plus the amount of money that would be coming in federally, I just think is a wonderful thing….Sometimes, I think we need to support the governor, and he’s obviously an advocate of this.  I imagine he studied this quite carefully.  To me, if you had to have more surgeons in the Valley, that’d be a good thing.”

Steve Colligan, who represents the greater Wasilla area, opposed the letter.  Colligan says he is not convinced of long-term fiscal benefit for the state.

“I think there’s some initial savings with federal dollars, but I’m not convinced it’s a long-term great deal for us.  And I’m following the legislation and seeing what the outcomes really are.”

The final vote was four in favor and two opposed.  Assembly Member Barbara Doty, who is a medical doctor, was not present at the meeting.