Editorials

Is Scott serious about actual health care compromise?

TBO.com
Published: November 18, 2012

Excuse us if we're a bit skeptical of Gov. Rick Scott's recent announcement he wants to negotiate with — or at least talk to — the federal government about the state's response to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

We want to believe he's stating this in good faith, but the governor has proven too many times he cares little about anyone other than his cronies. Seeing will be believing.

Already Scott is backtracking a bit. He already has doubts about success and wants to add discussions on his controversial Medicaid managed-care programs. His proposed programs have nothing to do with the Affordable Care Act.

The issue is that Scott, who said before the election that Florida wouldn't be participating, is running out of time for the state to propose health-insurance exchanges for citizens to find low-cost insurance alternatives. He was counting on Obama losing, which didn't happen.

Even a majority of voters in his own state supported Obama. But that probably doesn't make much difference to the governor.

Scott does need to concern himself with getting re-elected again in two years, so that might explain his recent announcement to reconsider. That would be the smart thing to do since Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured citizens, but silly things like actual needs do little to influence Scott. It's all about slash and burn to keep his wealthy buddies happy.

It's strange that he wanted no part of it but now seems interested. He also did everything in his power to cut early voting days, along with the GOP legislators, but now wants the embarrassing failures in vote counting on election night investigated. He wants to privatize several prisons but can't prove to anyone it will save any money and will not have adverse effects.

As one of Florida's most unpopular governors he knows he has to try to change the perception about him and we're all for that. How he handles it, though, will be the real test. Has Scott seen the light that his tactics and dictates are hurting his state? We doubt it.

Floridians can hope so, though. If not, they can send him packing in two years.