House Democrats Want Denial of Medicaid Waiver Request

Democrats in the Missouri House are asking a federal agency to deny the Blunt Administration’s request for a Medicaid waiver. Nearly 30 Democrats have signed a letter sent to the Associate Regional Administrator of Medicaid, asking that the waiver request be rejected. Representative Bruce Darrough of St. Louis argues the waiver would impose severe hardships on those who depend on Medicaid to pay for their equipment. The Blunt Administration has requested waivers from federal rules in order to cut costs. With Republicans firmly in control of state government, Darrough knows Democrats are fighting an uphill battle. Darrough contends that in the past Medicaid waivers were sought to expand health coverage, not restrict it.