Joint Statement by Senate President and House Republican Leader regarding the report evaluating the impact of Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire

CONCORD – Senate President Peter Bragdon, R-Milford, and House Republican Leader Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, issued the following statement regarding today’s report evaluating the impact of Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire:

“We know from today’s report that expanding Medicaid will cost New Hampshire taxpayers a minimum of $85 million. While proponents are quick to tout potential benefits they fail to explain how we will finance this huge increase in government spending during a very difficult budget season. This is money the State simply does not have.

“Moreover, even if the Federal government honors its commitments in the short-term, we know that federal funding for the program will be decreased over the next seven years, leaving Granite Staters to pick up the true cost of this expansion going forward.

“We all want better healthcare, but we must be honest with taxpayers about the price tag of a government takeover.”