You have it correct. The ANTHC is trying to get funding to provide transportation for its customers to the urban centers. This was stated a year ago at the “State of Reform” meeting in Anchorage. The proponents of Medicaid expansion also believe that federal money is free and it magically appears. The real number of beneficiaries who are uninsured is from 11,000 to 14,000. This does not include Alaska Natives and veterans because they already have health care. The media continues to use the 40,000 number that the ANTHC came up with.

That’s the dumbest thing I’ve read in the past week. Expanding Medicaid can’t happen over night. Maybe you’re nickname could be “ah ha, I’ve got another bad idea”

Walker has begun the “process” to get Medicaid expanded. Did anybody really think he could just sign a piece of paper on his first day in office and Medicaid would be immediately expanded? Clearly it’s not a quick process, but it’s not HIS fault the process isn’t instantaneous and it’s naïve of anybody that thought that was the case. I am very happy with our new Governor and appreciate him following through with this campaign promise.

Radical,
When I worked in the private sector my employer and I funded my health care and, like you, I also worked in the public sector when the taxpayer subsidized my health benefits. You can bet that the Federal and State budgets include the cost of employee health insurance subsidies.
As government employees, who funded that portion of our health insurance not directly funded by ourselves and, just as importantly, who paid for that “employer funded” amount other than those who pay taxes? These elected officials are, in fact, “employees” of the voters. These same voters pay taxes which funds the federal and state government who then provide provide health insurance to these officials. And this is not “government funded” health care? Also aren’t employee health benefit payments a business expense which entitles the employer to a tax reduction which is a form of government support for providing health benefits?
I don’t see the “bright line” between the two systems that you seem to see and at best I would recognize a “yellow apples”to “green apples” comparison.

3 million Americans who are classified as American Indians or Alaska Eskimos get 100% free medical care and then some under a program that was passed in the ’20s. There is no time limit and no real qualification other than having some native blood. Look no further than the Palins – Todd is half so Bristol is quarter making her kid Tripp one eight. They all qualify.

Lynn,

You call it “government-funded” healthcare. I call it “employer-funded” healthcare. When I work in the private sector, the options provided to me and funded by the employer for me and my family are a consideration I weigh. When I work in the public sector (as I do at the moment), it is no different. You shouldn’t expect your employer to take care of my health insurance, and I don’t expect mine to take care of yours. Employer-funded insurance for government workers vs. Medicaid expansion for able-bodied, working adults employed elsewhere is an apples to oranges comparison.

Lynn, I don’t know who ‘lied’ in those instances or even if ‘lies’ were told. You’ve offered this as an excuse but not offered any specifics or proof.

It’s actually sort of childish don’t you think? Pointing your finger and saying ‘But, He Lied Too…’

Ah,
And who is responsible for the now very probable “lies” regarding gas pipe lines, bridges across Knik Arm, roads from Juneau, a Susitna dam, and other claims of politicians.
Motion should not be confused with actual progress and , as with expansion of Medicaid and a rural energy emergency, all we have with any of these promises is motion.