Dive Brief:
- Alaska Gov. Bill Walker said in July he would circumvent the state legislature to expand Medicaid after Republicans blocked his efforts and he gave a 45-day notice of his decision to move forward.
- But the legislature said the move is unconstitutional (violation of separation of powers) and is suing to block it.
- Senate President Kevin Meyer (R) told the Alaska Dispatch News that "This is not a policy issue - we're not discussing whether we should or shouldn't expand Medicaid." Instead, the lawsuit raises separation-of-powers issues.
Dive Insight:
Walker claimed in July he had the legal authority to expand Medicaid without legislative approval, similar to the actions taken by governors in a few other states. Now the courts will decide whether he really can do that.
It's clear that the legislature stands in philosophical opposition to the expansion, and Walker said he wouldn't launch the action until Sept. 1. That gave lawmakers enough time to put together the challenge.