Gov. Rick Snyder has written letters to every member of Michigan's congressional delegation to warn how House Republicans' health care legislation would "adversely impact" the state's most vulnerable residents.
The Republican governor's letters, dated Tuesday, says the debate has largely focused on people participating in the expanded Medicaid program. But he says half of all Michigan children are served by the traditional Medicaid program, which would also be affected by the bill.
Snyder says the legislation would shift financial risk to state taxpayers, and he is concerned it would also lead to "significant cost increases" on older residents who buy insurance in the individual market.
"Altogether, there are 1.75 million children, seniors, pregnant women and disabled individuals served by traditional Medicaid in Michigan, and roughly 104,000 of them reside in your district," he wrote to Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton.
The House is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday. Nine of Michigan's 14 House members are Republicans. Democrats plan to oppose the legislation.
