BY LINDA BENTLEY | AUGUST 28, 2013
Latest push to help get Obamacare Medicaid expansion on ballot
PHOENIX – The final push is on to gather signatures to help stop the Medicaid expansion under Obamacare, also dubbed OBrewercare since the governor signed the bill, by placing it on the ballot through a referendum.
The referendum’s stated purpose is to refer “A.R.S. §§ 36-2901.07 and 36-2901.08 to the voters for approval or disapproval. Those sections expand eligibility for Arizona's Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), beginning January 1, 2014. To fund the expansion, all Arizona hospitals will be charged an assessment, unless exempted at the discretion of the Director. The Director, rather than the legislature, will set the amount of the assessment.”
Opponents of the Medicaid expansion say it will invite over 300,000 more people to Arizona’s welfare rolls.
The political action committee, United Republican Alliance of Principled Conservatives, needs to collect a minimum of 86,405 valid signatures by Sept. 11 to place the measure on the ballot.
Volunteers will be set up to collect signatures as a drive-through effort to make it as convenient as possible for people to sign.
They will be set up on Carefree Highway and I-17 in the vacant lot across from McDonald’s from 4-6 p.m. this week (Monday through Friday). Look for the “Stop Obamacare” signs.
COURTESY PHOTO/JUDY HOELSCHER
