March 23, 2010
In addition to the pending lawsuits, bills and resolutions have been introduced in at least 36 state legislatures seeking to limit or oppose various aspects of the reform plan through laws or state constitutional amendments, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.So far, only two states,Idaho andVirginia , have enacted laws, while anconstitutional amendment is seeking voter approval on the November ballot. But the actual enactment of the bill by President Barack Obama could spur more movement on the measures by state lawmakers. Arizona Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, a Republican candidate running for governor, said the mandate would costat least $1.6 billion in Medicaid alone. Florida All states would receive extra funding to cover Medicaid costs that are expected to rise under the reform, including 100 percent federal coverage for new enrollees under the plan through 2016.