TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Preliminary numbers show rejecting Medicaid expansion would cost Florida billions in federal money under the national health care overhaul to save the state millions.
Gov. Rick Scott, who opposed the Affordable Care Act, wants to turn down Medicaid expansion.
Economists met Tuesday to review figures that assume all people eligible for expanded Medicaid would participate.
The economists, though, reduced the anticipated participation rates, and the numbers will be reworked.
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld most aspects of the law including a requirement for most people to have health insurance.
The high court, though, said the federal government cannot force states to expand their Medicaid programs.
The preliminary figures show Florida would pass up $2.1 billion in federal money while saving just $3.9 million in the next budget year.
