GOP Governors Question Whether Health Reform Will Deliver on Promises

In a letter sent to President Obama on Tuesday, Republican governors expressed doubt that his administration would be able to deliver on its promise to extend health insurance coverage to the nation's uninsured by 2014 through the Affordable Care Act, the AP/Washington Post reports (AP/Washington Post, 7/10)

The letter -- which was signed by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, chair of the Republican Governors Association -- included a series of 25 questions for the administration about:

• The Medicaid expansion;
• State and federal health insurance exchanges;
• The timeline of regulations the administration must issue for the law's provisions; and
• Further details, guidance and executive branch communications to the states on the law's provisions (Adams, CQ HealthBeat, 7/10).

The letter noted, "If states determine that a Medicaid expansion is not in the best interests of its citizens, it is likely that there will be a significant gap in coverage for low-income individuals who do not qualify for tax credits," adding, "We believe it is incumbent upon the authors of [the law] and your administration to detail precisely how you intend to address this situation" (McCarthy, National Journal, 7/10).

McDonnell wrote, "There will inevitably be more questions that will arise as additional guidance flows from your administration," adding, "With just 18 months until the anticipated implementation date of [the law], we would appreciate prompt answers" (CQ HealthBeat, 7/10).