Gov. Bush touts Medicaid reform plan to Miami business leaders

[ryban]

MIAMI - Making a federal-state health insurance program for the poor more like a private managed care system would save the state from skyrocketing insurance rates, Gov. Jeb Bush told business leaders Monday.

Bush pitched the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce about his proposed changes to Medicaid, the safety net for 2.3 million Floridians who can't get traditional health insurance.

Medicaid is expected to cost nearly $15 billion next year - a quarter of the state's budget.

"The option of doing nothing means we will continue to have Medicaid and insurance rates that will grow in double-digit percentage points," Bush said.

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http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/apnews/stories/022805/D88HOSPO0.shtml