Judge’s decision could end legislature’s Medicaid expansion appeal

Judge Frank Pfiffner
Judge Frank Pfiffner hears oral arguments in the Medicaid expansion case, Feb. 5, 2016. (Photo by Annie Feidt/APRN)

A judge ruled Friday the House can’t continue an appeal of Gov. Bill Walker’s decision to expand Medicaid. This could be a fatal blow to the attempt to reverse the expansion.

Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner concluded that the House can’t step in for the Legislative Council in appealing the lawsuit. House members wanted to pursue the appeal, saying that Walker’s actions violated the separation of powers. But senators have wanted to end the appeal. Without agreement between the two houses, it’s possible the Legislative Council cannot continue with the appeal.

Nearly 18,000 Alaskans have joined Medicaid since Walker expanded the program.

Andrew Kitchenman

State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO

State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.

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