Post by Logan on Feb 5, 2016 20:36:32 GMT -6
JUNEAU — A state court judge in Anchorage heard arguments Thursday in a lawsuit challenging Alaska Gov. Bill Walker’s authority to expand Medicaid without legislative approval.
Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner said it was unlikely that he could issue a decision before the end of March. Any decision he renders can be appealed.
The case was brought by the Legislative Council, which is comprised of state House and Senate lawmakers, all but one of whom belongs to the Republican-led majorities. Supporters of the lawsuit see it as a separation of powers issue. Some opponents see it as counterproductive and a waste of money.
A key argument in the case centers on whether the expansion population is a mandatory group for coverage under Medicaid or an optional group.
Read more: juneauempire.com/state/2016-02-04/alaska-judge-hears-arguments-medicaid-expansion-case
Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner said it was unlikely that he could issue a decision before the end of March. Any decision he renders can be appealed.
The case was brought by the Legislative Council, which is comprised of state House and Senate lawmakers, all but one of whom belongs to the Republican-led majorities. Supporters of the lawsuit see it as a separation of powers issue. Some opponents see it as counterproductive and a waste of money.
A key argument in the case centers on whether the expansion population is a mandatory group for coverage under Medicaid or an optional group.
Read more: juneauempire.com/state/2016-02-04/alaska-judge-hears-arguments-medicaid-expansion-case