A superior court judge ruled in favor of Governor Walker today in the Legislative Council’s case against Medicaid expansion. The Republican led legislative council sued last summer to stop Walker from unilaterally expanding Medicaid.
Judge Frank Pfiffner ruled the Governor did not violate the state constitution when he expanded Medicaid. More than 10 thousand low income Alaskans have enrolled in the program since it began Sep. 1st.
The case hinged on whether the Medicaid expansion population was an optional or required group under federal law. The Governor would have needed legislative approval to add an optional group to the program.
During oral arguments, Judge Pfiffner noted he was likely a “speed bump” on the way to the state Supreme Court.
Annie Feidt is the broadcast managing editor at Alaska Public Media. Reach her atafeidt@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Anniehere.
