Sandoval First Republican to Embrace Obamacare Medicaid Expansion

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval announced on Tuesday his state would participate in Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, becoming the first Republican governor to embrace the aspect of Obamacare the Supreme Court ruled was optional. 

Sandoval made the decision days after the Obama administration told states they would have to cover everyone below 133% of the federal poverty line ($14,893 for an individual) if they wanted to be reimbursed as part of the Medicaid expansion.

“All in all, it makes the best sense for the state to opt in,” Sandoval said. 

Sandoval also said that though he has never liked Obamacare, he was “forced to accept it as today’s reality.” 

Though I have never liked the Affordable Care Act because of the individual mandate it places on citizens, the increased burden on businesses and concerns about access to health care, the law has been upheld by the Supreme Court. As such, I am forced to accept it as today’s reality and I have decided to expand Nevada’s Medicaid coverage.

Sandoval is also one of five Republican governors who will set up a state-based Obamacare exchange.