Question on Governor Martinez possible "Bargin"

After reading the press release from the Governors office regarding her decision to Expand Medicaid I, and several others, began to question the last 2 paragraphs of the of the release.  I was worried that there might be some kind of "Deal" being made between HHS Secretary Sebelius and Governor Martinez.   Governor Martinez accepts Medicaid Expansion in exchange for Quick Approval of the Centennial Care Waiver.  The Following is From the Center on Law and Poverty.

 

"I raised the question about the expansion and waiver with the health care legal team and Quela responded.

 

“CMS processes waivers for states all the time regardless of the ACA, the expansion is a separate animal.  The approval of one isn’t linked to the other in any way.  California was early to say they would expand (began in 2010) and has submitted well over 10 waivers since then – some expanding services and some implementing co-pays or payment reforms.  They’re apples and oranges.  The Centennial Care waiver was submitted regardless of expansion and, in fact, didn’t account for expansion in any of the proposals.  They will have to amend parts of it moving forward to accommodate the expansion.  I don’t believe that the expansion decision will make any change to the state’s plans under the waiver and we should stay the course with our opposition.  Our arguments just get stronger because more people are affected – for example, the elimination of retroactive coverage has a much greater impact now that the state is expanding to cover an additional 170,000 un-insured.”

This is the way she sees it.  There would certainly be an outcry from those providers who could receive an awful lot of money for care they provided but for which they may otherwise have to eat.  Quela is working only two days a week from now on but said she would try to make the meeting. 

Talk with you soon,

Evelyn"

 

In a ideal world this is the case, I don't think it completely answers the question.  With the previous experience the Tribes have had with the NM HSD consultation policy and the complete lack of interest in working with the Tribes in a meaningful matter, I worry that this administration will do anything to speed up the process of approval.

 

These are just my thoughts on the subject