That stance could elevate health care as a flashpoint in a congressional race that
Barr said in a phone interview that he supports giving state leaders the flexibility to shape Medicaid programs to meet their states' health needs and budgets.
Fallout from
Asked about Bevin's action, Barr said: "I have no reaction. It's a state decision and I'm a federal lawmaker. My job, the way I look at it, is to support a Medicaid program that allows every state ... to tailor their Medicaid programs according to the state-based policymakers' decisions."
Barr's muted response contrasted sharply with McGrath's biting criticism.
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Medicaid is the joint state and federal health insurance program for the poor and disabled.
President
Barr — who represents a district covering
"Allowing states to require work or job training for able-bodied, work-capable adults — non-elderly, non-disabled people — is in the best interest of those individuals," Barr said. "Because it will help them achieve self-sufficiency and work-based health insurance, which is much more generous for them and their families than Medicaid, which is effectively a waiting line. It's government-run health care ... it's rationed health care."
The federal health care law championed by former President
McGrath said that was a "smart decision," saying it significantly lowered
Asked her stance on adding work requirements for many Medicaid recipients, she replied: "I value encouraging people to work, if they are able, but I fail to see why we are linking that to having health care. We can't punish those who need assistance as a cruel way to cut the state budget."
Bevin's office had said it expected the Medicaid changes to save taxpayers more than
Health care looms as a crucial issue in the fall campaign.
Barr supports repealing the Affordable Care Act, referred to by many as "Obamacare," and replacing it with a system that includes refundable tax credits to help low-income people purchase health insurance. McGrath backs the health care law and has said she favors a public health insurance option as part of the ACA. She also supports expanded access to Medicare for people 55 and older.
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