Gov. Hutchinson: Arkansas Works to continue, state will get drugs for executions

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Tuesday (Feb. 28) he expects Arkansas Works, the program that uses federal Medicaid dollars to purchase health insurance for lower-income Arkansans, to be strengthened based on upcoming health care reforms.

The governor also told reporters said he doesn’t expect the state to have a problem obtaining the drugs it needs for executing eight inmates and said a measure allowing concealed carry weapons on college campuses may have to wait for the next session, though he hopes it doesn’t.

Hutchinson spoke hours before President Donald Trump was to address the nation in his first State of the Union address, where he was expected to discuss health care. The governor had recently returned from a five-day trip to Washington where he visited with the president and other administrative and congressional leaders.

Hutchinson and other governors through the National Governors Association have crafted a plan for the replacement of the Affordable Care Act that he said is focused on flexibility for states, additional tools for cost controls, and broader reform instead of states having to request specific waivers from the federal government. But they were not releasing the plan until after hearing the president’s speech.

Hutchinson said the biggest issue is the growing numbers of enrollees. When the Obama administration did not let states limit recipients, the number of Arkansas Works beneficiaries rose from the projected 250,000 to 330,000. He said he wants work requirements for beneficiaries and the ability to control the numbers. An option would be to limit enrollees to those with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level rather than the current 138%, with the higher-income enrollees moving to private individual health care exchanges.

“It is important that Arkansas understands that I expect Arkansas Works to continue, I expect it to be strengthened in terms of reform, and I expect that it will produce cost savings that will help both the federal government and the state manage the health care access that is so important,” he said.

Hutchinson said he met twice in Washington with Vice President Mike Pence and on more than one occasion with Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. He also met with congressional leaders. He said he expects more clarity from Washington in the next six to eight weeks. He said he talked with President Trump about health care, trade issues and immigration.

GUNS ON CAMPUS BILL
In other business, Hutchinson said House Bill 1249 by Rep. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville, remains in flux and potentially could have to wait two years before being signed into law.

The bill appeared headed for passage after senators compromised on an amendment that would let everyone on campus carry a concealed firearm who is above the age of 25 and has a concealed carry permit and 16 hours of active shooter training. But when the National Rifle Association expressed opposition, the Senate co-sponsor, Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado, sent the bill back to committee, where it is scheduled to be discussed Wednesday.

Hutchinson said he visited with NRA officials about the issue while in Washington, where he reiterated some of the findings of a study he helped conduct after the Sandy Hook school shooting. Those findings said there should be local options and training. He said he had compromised on the local control aspect but not on training, which, he said, “I still maintain is important.”

“It might be that we decide to study this for two years and see if we can’t come together and address it down the road,” he said.

Asked if he hopes for that result, he said, “No. I would like to have a bill on my desk that I like and that I can sign.”

EXECUTION DRUGS, MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Hutchinson said he expects the state to be able to obtain the drugs needed for the executions of eight Arkansans that are set for April 17-27. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear their case, setting the stage for the executions.

The state’s method of execution by law involves three drugs, midazolam, vecuronium bromide and potassium chloride. The state’s supply of potassium chloride expired in January, while the supply of midazolam expires in April 2017. Hutchinson said he asked officials with the Department of Correction about the stress on prison staff by having eight executions timed in close proximity and was told stretching them out over a longer period of time makes them no easier.

Asked about comments by Trump’s press secretary, Sean Spicer, about states that have legalized marijuana in response to a question from Talk Business & Politics, Hutchinson said, “I think you need to not overanalyze the statements of the press secretary on that particular point.”

Instead, he said more attention should be paid to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, with whom he met in Washington. He said he does not expect Sessions to re-evaluate the federal government’s stance on medical marijuana in the states, but the attorney general will re-evaluate its stance on recreational use.

Asked what he thought of Trump’s first month in office, Hutchinson said his appointments have been excellent, including his Supreme Court nominee, and his moves to reduce regulations have inspired confidence in the business community. On the other hand, Trump made some mistakes with his executive order in immigration, Hutchinson said.

Earlier, he said, “It gives me a higher level of confidence whenever I see how the president is managing. He is a CEO. He is giving directions to his cabinet as to what he wants to accomplish, and counting on them working with Congress to get that job done. I saw him personally holding people accountable, and I expect results from that.”