WASHINGTON — The Obama administration snubbed Florida’s proposal to extend federal funds for hospitals that treat low-income and uninsured patients, a dispute that has paralyzed the state budget.
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell gave Gov. Rick Scott the news when she met with him in Washington on Wednesday.
The Republican governor wants the administration to extend $1 billion in low-income pool funds for hospitals, but the federal government wants Florida to expand Medicaid, arguing it’s more efficient to give people insurance than to pay hospitals for caring for the uninsured retroactively.
Neither side has budged. The gridlock stalled Florida’s legislative session, prompting the House to abruptly adjourn three days early last week.
Eight other states, including Texas, also receive the hospital funds and are closely watching the standoff between Florida and Washington. Florida’s funds are the first to expire on June 30.
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