Beebe Willing To Pitch ‘Arkansas Medicaid Plan’ To Feds

A confident, comfortable and cooperative Gov. Mike Beebe (D) said he expects his final regular legislative session to be “just fine” despite Republican majorities in both chambers of the legislature.

“I haven’t heard anything that gives me real concern,” said Beebe, noting that Republicans have largely said they support the cornerstones of his agenda: education and economic development.

Beebe, who will be term-limited in 2014, spoke with reporters at an Associated Press Managing Editors forum at the state capitol.

The two-term Governor said he has a great respect for the Arkansas legislative branch and the two GOP leaders – Sen. Michael Lamoureux (R-Russellville) and Rep. Davy Carter (R-Cabot) – who will head the 89th General Assembly next week.

On the big issue of Medicaid cuts and potential expansion, Beebe said he’s open to solutions being discussed by lawmakers, which include more surplus spending, potential service reforms, and possible expanded federal funding.

Lawmakers have suggested that a legislative plan that formulates a state-specific Medicaid solution – an “Arkansas plan” – could be sold to the feds by Beebe in an effort to find an answer that includes some sort of waiver or waivers.

“I don’t think the request of the leadership from the General Assembly… I don’t think it’s an unreasonable request on their part,” Beebe said.

Beebe said he’s not sure what sway he might hold with federal regulators on the issue, but he’s open to the prospect.

“I don’t have a magic wand,” he said.

He noted that the only caveat he’d hold out is that he would not support an “Arkansas plan” that was inconsistent with his philosophy in some way.  He used drug testing that was punitive not rehabilitative as a possible objection.

Beebe said there would be a couple of “project” surprises in his legislative package that he’ll propose to the General Assembly next week.  He did not offer specifics, but said they would not depart from current policy.