Nixon Pushes His Medicaid Plan in Hannibal [AUDIO]

(HANNIBAL)—Missouri Governor Jay Nixon says his plan to strengthen Medicaid in the state is beneficial on a number of levels. Nixon says his proposal brings 5.7 billion dollars to Missouri and will provide health coverage to 300-thousand Missourians over the next three years.

After that… Nixon says Missouri would pick up five percent of the cost by 2017 with the total not to exceed ten percent by 2020. Nixon says taking a pass on the dollars has a cost because Missouri tax dollars would wind up in other states. Nixon’s office says several business groups including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce support his plan.
Nixon says approval of his plan to strengthen Medicaid would also benefit public safety because of improved availability of treatment for the mentally ill.

Marion County Sheriff Jimmy Shinn says a significant number of people in custody in Marion County on criminal charges have mental health issues