TN Democrats bemoan lack of Medicaid expansion

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

NASHVILLE - Democratic leaders say Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's decision not to expand Medicaid in Tennessee cast a dark shadow over his signature plan to cover tuition at two-year colleges.

The Democrats held a news conference today to discuss the recent legislative session.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville said Haslam's legislation to create a program that would cover tuition at two-year colleges for any high school graduate could have been his legacy, but it will be overshadowed by the failure to expand Medicaid.

Haslam last year declined to accept the Medicaid money without special arrangements for the state.

During a visit to Nashville last month, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said the state is losing out on $6.2 million a day in federal funds.

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