Governors urge Congress to consider states' health care reform priorities

The leaders of the National Governors Association today urged Congress to “maintain an open and robust dialog with governors” as they debate potential changes to the Affordable Care Act. “It is essential that Congress allows sufficient time for states to review and respond to proposed changes, build on current state efforts, ensure a smooth transition, and minimize budgetary impacts to states,” NGA Chair Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Vice Chair Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) said in a letter to chairmen of the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce committees. With respect to Medicaid reform, the NGA leaders said it was “critical that Congress continue to maintain a meaningful federal role” and “not shift costs to states.” Among other recommendations, they called for state flexibility as Congress considers reforms to private health insurance; urged Congress to protect states from unforeseen financial risks, such as an economic downturn or higher costs for new drugs or treatments; and called for “predictability in federal programs while reforms are considered.”