Florida Medicaid Expansion Could Hit Legislative Opposition
February 22, 2013
Gov. Rick Scott dropped a bombshell Wednesday when he announced support for a Medicaid expansion. But a day later, it remained unclear whether the idea would get through the Republican-dominated Legislature.
House GOP leaders appear to have the strongest reservations, with Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, and Appropriations Chairman Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland, publicly expressing doubts about the wisdom of the expansion.
“I remain skeptical that that’s in the best interests of the state,” McKeel said Thursday morning.
Weatherford, during an appearance before the Florida Retail Federation and in a television interview, also repeatedly used the word “skeptical.” Pointing to broader federal budget and debt problems, he questioned whether Washington would make good on a promise to pay billions of dollars for the expansion.
“We’re talking about a federal government that is not able to pay its bills,” Weatherford said during an appearance on the show, “Florida Face to Face.”
Some Senate Republicans indicated they might be more willing to go along with Scott, who said he would support expanding Medicaid eligibility for three years and then revisiting the issue. The federal government is slated to pay all of the expansion costs for the first three years, before the state has to pick up a portion of the tab.
“I support the governor, and I think the Senate has an open mind on it,” said Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater. He later added, “I think we give it a shot and see how it works.”
Senate Health Policy Chairman Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, pointed to the possibility that a Medicaid expansion could help “safety net” hospitals that serve large numbers of low-income and uninsured people. More Medicaid coverage would produce additional revenues for hospitals, helping offset other types of funding cuts.
But Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, posted a Twitter message that expressed opposition to Scott’s stance.
“Disappointed to read (Scott’s) comments on Medicaid expansion,” Brandes wrote. “A blank federal check isn’t the answer, we need real reform.”
Scott, who anchored his political career on opposing President Obama’s efforts to revamp the health-care system, drew national headlines for his announcement that he would support going ahead with the Medicaid expansion. Hundreds of thousands of Floridians would become newly eligible for the government-run health program, with the federal government paying 100 percent of the costs from 2014 through 2016 and later paying 90 percent.
House and Senate select committees have been studying the Affordable Care Act for weeks and are expected to make recommendations in early March about issues such as the Medicaid expansion. Those recommendations will be initial signs of how Republicans in both chambers view the expansion.
The governor’s stance has drawn criticism from many conservatives, who accuse him of flip-flopping on his opposition to the federal law dubbed Obamacare. But Republican lawmakers are also in a politically tricky position, as going along with the expansion could outrage many of their base voters.
Sen. John Thrasher, a St. Augustine Republican who is a former chairman of the state Republican Party, said he thinks Scott is trying to lead on a “tough, difficult issue.”
“There are a number of Republican governors around the country –Gov. (John) Kasich, for one, in Ohio and the governor of Arizona–who have also agreed to do this, so it’s about leadership and that is what the governor is showing on this,” Thrasher said. “That doesn’t mean that the Legislature has to agree with everything he says, but I’m proud of his leadership.”
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said during a conference call Thursday that she has been encouraged to see states move toward expanding Medicaid, , adding that they are “deciding this deal is simply too good to pass up.”
But state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam ripped the idea of expanding Medicaid, calling it “not the right direction for the state of Florida.” He also directly took aim at Scott’s position that the state could re-evaluate whether to continue the expansion after three years, an idea known as a “sunset” of the expansion.
“In three years, you don’t get a do-over just because it sunsets, which is a classic Tallahassee or a Washington bait and switch,” Putnam told members of the Florida Retail Federation. “You don’t get a do-over once you’ve enrolled 1.3 million new people. You don’t get to say, ‘Sorry it’s sunsetted, we’re booting you off the rolls.’ You get one chance to make this decision.”
By The News Service of Florida
Wind-Driven Brush Fire Burns Through Bratt Field
February 21, 2013
A wind-driven brush fire consumed several acres in Bratt this afternoon.
The fire burned through 5-10 acres in field between North Highway 99, Water Tank Road and Hall Road. Fueled by high winds, the fire was threatening several structures when the first firefighters arrived on scene, but it was quickly brought under control.
The cause of the blaze was not immediately known.
The Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service responded to the fire, which was reported about 2:30 p.m.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: A wind-driven brush fire burns through a field in Bratt Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Student Arrested For Arson After School Bathroom Fire
February 21, 2013
A Tate High School student was arrested Thursday for arson after setting a fire in a bathroom in the Hall Building at the school.
Jake Austin Calvert, 15, was charged with arson, disturbing the peace (disruption of a school function) and criminal mischief. He was released into the custody of the Division of Youth Services.
The incident occurred about 9:40 a.m. Wednesday. The Tate school resource officer heard someone yell that there was a fire. As the deputy exited his office, he could see dark smoke billowing out of the boy’s bathroom. He retrieved a fire extinguisher and returned to find the principal had already put the flames out.
During the investigation, information was received that Calvert might be responsible for the fire. He was interviewed by school officials, and he admitted to setting the fire “because he wanted to melt the soap dispenser so no one else could get soap to wash their hands,” according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The school was evacuated, but no injuries were reported during the incident.
The fire was also investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Missing Student Found After Three Hour Search
February 21, 2013
A middle school student was located by a K-9 team Wednesday in Walnut Hill, about three hours after she ran away from the school campus.
The sixth grade student was reported missing from Ernest Ward Middle School just after 3 p.m. She apparently fled the campus following a sixth period P.E. class.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies and Ernest Ward staff and faculty unsuccessfully searched the school campus and the surrounding area, including the nearby Bradberry Park and a wooded area between the school and the park.
K-9 teams from the Century Correctional Institution and the Escambia County Road Prison responded to assist in the search. Just before 6 p.m., the Century CI K-9 team located the 12-year old girl where she had crossed through a wooded area east of the school behind the Walnut Hill Post Office, about 150 yards from the school campus.
The sixth grader was apparently unharmed; she was taken to a Pensacola hospital to be evaluated as a precaution.
Pictured top: Sgt. Burley Townson (left) and Ofc. Jamie Sanders (right) from the Century Correctional Institution K-9 team search for a missing student near Ernest Ward Middle School Wednesday afternoon. Pictured inset: The student was reported missing following a P.E. class at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured below: The girl was found through a wooded area about 150 yards from the campus. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Traffic Delays Today: Highway 4 Escambia River Bridge
February 21, 2013
Traffic on Highway 4 in Century will be restricted to one lane today at the Escambia River Bridge from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, as crews from Transfield Services remove debris from under the bridge.
Motorists are reminded to watch for traffic flaggers, pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area, and to use caution when driving in work zones, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Century Man Charged With Brandishing Firearm, Threatening To Kill At Whataburger
February 21, 2013
A convicted felon from Century wanted for brandishing a firearm and threatening to kill a man in a Whataburger parking lot was arrested in Pensacola after a high speed chase.
Deputies spotted 27-year old Travis Montes Mitchell in his white Mustang on 57th Avenue near Jackson Street on Tuesday. They attempted a traffic stop due to outstanding felony warrants, but Mitchell fled at a high rate of speed, leading deputies on a chase along Lillian Highway to Border Street where he fled on foot.
Deputies surrounded the area and caught up with Mitchell after observing him jumping fences and running through residential yards. After deputies arrested Mitchell, they reported finding marijuana roaches in his pockets and bags of marijuana in his vehicle.
Felony warrants were issued for Mitchell’s arrest after an incident February 2 in the parking lot of the Century Whataburger. He was accused of hitting and injuring an adult male. The victim told deputies that Mitchell pulled a handgun and threatened to kill him. Mitchell fled the parking lot in his Mustang as law enforcement arrive on scene.
Mitchell was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and improper exhibition of a firearm in connection with the Century Whataburger incident. Following the high speed chase in Pensacola, Mitchell was charged with fleeing and eluding with disregard for public safety, driving while license suspended third or subsequent offense, possession of cannabis with intent to distribute and obstruction/resisting without violence.
Mitchell remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $125,500.
Escambia Commission To Affirm Support For Gun Rights
February 21, 2013
Amidst calls for stricter gun control laws, the Escambia County Commission will consider a resolution speaking out in favor of gun rights.
The resolution states “That the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners hereby affirms its commitment to the oath of office taken by each commissioner and to the Constitutions of the State of Florida and the United States, including its commitment to the Second Amendment.”
The resolution, proposed by Commissioner Wilson Robertson, will be up for consideration during the commission’s next regular meeting tonight.
Two Charged In Officer-Involved Shooting Case
February 21, 2013
Two people were arrested following an officer-involved shooting in Escambia County, Ala, according to information released Wednesday afternoon.
The incident began when an Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s patrol deputy attempted a traffic stop near Brewton. Authorities have not said what prompted the traffic stop.
The suspect fled, with the Brewton Police Department joining the chase. On Highway 41 north of Brewton, the suspect lost control near Tippens Eddy Road. The suspect fled on foot, with the deputy giving chase.
“A struggle ensued resulting in the suspect being shot,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a prepared statement Saturday afternoon.
Johnathon Holliman, 24, was charged with two counts of attempting to elude, unlawful possession of a controlled substance – synthetic cannabis, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and disarming a law enforcement officer. He remains in the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton awaiting a bond hearing.
Chad Hosford, 26, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and throwing a dangerous missile into an occupied vehicle. He was released from jail on a $17,000 bond.
Further details about the incident, including the name of the involved deputy, have not been released. The deputy remains on paid administrative leave as is standard in officer-involved shootings.
The shooting investigation has been turned over to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.
Pictured: These screenshots from a low-quality cellphone video show the scene early Saturday morning after a deputy-involved shooting on Highway 41 north of Brewton. Exclusive reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scott Backs Medicaid Expansion
February 21, 2013
Calling it a “compassionate, common-sense step forward,” Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday said he would support a potentially massive expansion of the Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act.
The announcement was a dramatic move for the Republican governor, who launched his political career as an outspoken critic of President Obama’s efforts to overhaul the health-care system. The announcement also shifts the focus of the contentious Medicaid debate squarely to the Legislature, which would have to approve any expansion.
“We have a choice — and it’s not an easy choice — but my job is to worry about every Florida family,” Scott said during a news conference at the Governor’s Mansion.
Even before Scott started the news conference, House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, issued a statement that stopped far short of an endorsement of the expansion. Weatherford said he is looking forward to the recommendations of a select committee that has been studying the Affordable Care Act and that the House’s “actions will be based on principle and rooted in facts.”
“Governor Scott has made his decision and I certainly respect his thoughts,” Weatherford said. “However, the Florida Legislature will make the ultimate decision. I am personally skeptical that this inflexible law will improve the quality of health care in our state and ensure our long-term financial stability.”
Scott said he would support expanding Medicaid eligibility for three years — a period of time in which the federal government is supposed to pay 100 percent of the expansion costs. He said the expansion would have to go through a reauthorization process after three years, which would give the state a chance to determine how it affects health-care costs, quality and access.
The move could lead to hundreds of thousands of newly eligible people signing up for Medicaid coverage. But Scott’s stance drew sharply different reactions, with Democratic lawmakers and groups such as Planned Parenthood applauding the governor and conservative activists all but calling him a traitor.
“Candidate Scott ran on fighting Obamacare and was a leader in that movement,” said Slade O’Brien, Florida director of the conservative group Americans for Prosperity. “To switch, it’s one of the biggest flip-flops I’ve ever seen. It’s going to be remarkably disappointing to the conservative base.”
The Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, meanwhile, sent an email pointing to the fact that about one in five Floridians lack health insurance. It said expanding Medicaid will ensure that women and families have access to basic care.
“Politics should not stand in the way of Floridians getting the preventive care they need,” said Judith Selzer, vice president of public policy and communications for the Planned Parenthood affiliates.
Scott’s announcement came several hours after the Obama administration sent a letter to the state indicating it would approve a proposal to shift almost all Medicaid beneficiaries into managed-care plans. Scott and Republican legislative leaders have long championed that controversial idea, which they say would help hold down Medicaid costs and better coordinate care for beneficiaries.
Speculation swirled in the Capitol on Wednesday about whether federal approval of the managed-care proposal would be tied to state approval of the Medicaid expansion. But Scott denied such a linkage.
Scott and other Republican leaders spent more than two years fighting the Affordable Care Act, which Obama and congressional Democrats approved in March 2010. That fight included a Florida-led legal challenge that ended up in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case. Justices upheld most of the law, but said states must be able to decide whether to carry out the law’s Medicaid expansion.
Republicans have rejected another part of the law that gave the state the choice of running a health-insurance exchange. They decided to let Washington run the exchange, which will be an online marketplace where Floridians can shop for insurance coverage.
But in explaining his decision on the Medicaid expansion, Scott said the overall Supreme Court ruling and Obama’s re-election in November cemented the Affordable Care Act as the “law of the land.” He said he has not changed his view that the best way for people to get health coverage is through their jobs, but he said his decision is aimed at making sure all Floridians have access to care.
“It is not a white flag of surrender to government-run health care,” said Scott, who made a fortune as the hard-driving chief executive of a hospital company.
Perhaps the most-important part of the expansion is that it would make Medicaid coverage available to hundreds of thousands of childless adults who in most cases are not currently eligible for the program. Also, the law would raise the income threshold for eligibility to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which is higher than the threshold for many people currently enrolled.
The federal government has promised to pay 100 percent of the expansion costs from 2014 through 2016 and then gradually reduce that share to 90 percent in 2020. But Scott and many Republican lawmakers have repeatedly raised questions about how much money the state could be required to pay in the future.
A report released last month by the state Agency for Health Care Administration indicated that Florida could face costs of $3 billion or more over 10 years. But analysts are scheduled to meet March 1 to revise the estimates, and the new numbers could play an important role as lawmakers decide whether they want to pursue an expansion.
While Scott would require what is known as a “sunset” process after three years, it was not immediately clear Wednesday what would happen if the expansion was not reauthorized. Such a process raises the possibility of newly eligible people losing their benefits after three years.
House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston, D-Plantation, said he would prefer that Scott didn’t seek the three year-restriction on the expansion. Nevertheless, Thurston said he was pleased by Scott’s announcement.
“I am confident that this important and necessary expansion of Florida’s Medicaid program will improve the quality of health care in our state and can be achieved in an affordable manner,” Thurston said.
But with Scott running for re-election in 2014, he could face a backlash from conservatives who put him into the governor’s mansion.
“Will Medicaid expansion cover me for the knife (Scott) just buried in my back?” Henry Kelley, a tea party leader in Florida, said in a Twitter message.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scott talks about Obamacare Wednesday at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee. NSF photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
By The News Service of Florida
Dept. Of Corrections Deficit Jumps To $95 Million
February 21, 2013
The cost of downsizing and consolidating Florida’s prison system cost at least $15 million more than expected this year and the Department of Corrections continues to operate in the red, the state’s prisons secretary told lawmakers Wednesday.
Deficits related to the closure of two correctional facilities, a controversial push to privatize health service and overtime expenses incurred as a result of consolidation combined to deepen the Department of Corrections deficit to $95.2.million.
Speaking to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice, DOC Secretary Michael Crews said miscalculations, and delays in closing at Glades Correctional Institution added to a deficit carried over from previous years.
“That deficit is the Department of Correction’s responsibility,” Crews said. “We don’t point any fingers. That is our job.”
Among the big ticket overages were:
-$13.3 million for additional salaries and overtime required as prisoners in the recently closed facilities were relocated to other institutions.
-$10.9 million in reduced revenue associated with privatization that was not undertaken following a court challenge. The funds were not replaced.
-$14 million in revenue cuts to privatize health services in south Florida, the transfer of which was delayed until December.
-$1.5 million for maintaining climate control and security at two closed facilities. The agency had budgeted $250,000 to keep the lights on and air conditioners running to avoid a buildup of mold.
The overall deficit includes $36 million carried over from the 2011-12 fiscal year. DOC budget chief Mark Talent said the costs included $7 million incurred by delaying the closing of Glades Correctional Institution by five months, a delay lawmakers called for in an effort to cushion the blow.
The committee’s chairman, Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said the agency has to do a better job of estimating its costs, saying estimates in recent years have been woefully unreliable.
“What we need to focus on going forward is to make sure those types of mistakes don’t happen,” committee chairman Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said after the presentation.
Bradley was especially concerned about the additional salary costs that surrounded Glades’ closure.
Crews, who took over at DOC in December and is the sixth secretary at the agency in the past seven years, said the agency significantly underestimated the cost of shutting down facilities, especially in the area of increased personnel costs.
“This is one area as far as staff where we really missed the boat,” Crews said.
As lawmakers in 2011 were debating a massive effort to privatize prisons in the southern third of the state, some of them warned about unanticipated costs of the plan, which eventually was defeated.
Committee members took turns Wednesday chastising the agency for continued budget shortfalls, with both Democrat and Republican members saying the agency needs to get its house in order by the end of the current fiscal year.
“We’ve got to find a way to get our hands and arms around the deficit and make sure it doesn’t exponentially continue to increase,” said Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa.
“That’s just bad management at the end of the day,” Bradley said. “We’ve talked about the reasons why today, but we have to end it. We have to figure out how much it costs to put someone in jail and keep them there.”
By The News Service of Florida