Arizona was among the first states to (apply and) be approved for a federal program that will reimburse Arizona for medical claims for state employees (and spouses and dependents) who have retired but are not yet eligible for Medicare, according to a U.S. announcement today. This distinction comes three weeks after Governor Jan Brewer issued a news release indicating that she is moving Arizona forward with the coalition of (19 or 20) states challenging the constitutionality of the same healthcare reform laws.
Seven states are in the ironic category of seeking and being approved for the funds while challenging what Brewer called "unconstitutional" and "an onerous federal mandate". According to the Associated Press, joining Arizona are Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska and Nevada.
Here are the other 18 Arizona governmental bodies and companies who have also sought for and received approval to be reimbursed - out of a $5 billion pool - for uncovered medical costs for early retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare. The program is a temporary "bridge" until other provisions of the healthcare reform bill become law.
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