Dustin McDaniel backs Medicaid expansion

By The Associated Press

Posted: September 18, 2012 at 2:29 p.m.

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LITTLE ROCK — Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says he agrees with fellow Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe’s decision to pursue expanding Medicaid eligibility in Arkansas under the federal health care law.

McDaniel said Tuesday that the expansion makes sense in light of state estimates that show expanding the program’s eligibility would save the state money. Beebe announced last week that he supports the expansion, but noted that it’ll require passage by lawmakers.

McDaniel, a Democrat and the only announced candidate for the 2014 governor’s race, spoke to the Political Animals Club Tuesday afternoon.

Under the health care law, the federal government would pay the full tab for the expansion when it begins in 2014. But after three years, states must pay a gradually increasing share that tops out at 10 percent of the cost.

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