Rep. Wasserman Schultz releases statement on Fla. Medicaid expansion

WESTON, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Wednesday reacted to Florida Gov. Rick Scott's announcement that he will expand Medicaid to an estimated 900,000 additional Florida residents under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz's statement in its entirety is as follows:

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"I'm pleased that the Governor has decided to support implementing the Medicaid expansion component of Obamacare. It has always been a critical facet of ensuring all Floridians have access to quality affordable health care.

Of course, I'm disappointed he's made the irresponsible decision to agree only to the expansion for the next three years while the federal government is footing 100% of the cost. That's not the certainty or leadership Floridians need.

And while it's good news for Florida that Medicaid coverage will be expanding, I'm deeply concerned about the governor's plan to go statewide with a managed-care pilot program that has had mixed results when tested in a few Florida counties, including Broward. We need strong and enforceable safeguards in place to protect the quality of health care for Medicaid recipients.

I will continue urging the Obama Administration to include such safeguards before any final waiver is approved for the state. With more than three million Floridians relying on Medicaid, we cannot afford to cut corners on quality of care."