Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) announced on MSNBC this morning that he will vote for the health care bill.
Engel, who voted yes in November, had been holding back his vote over Medicaid reimbursements to New York. Engel was worried that the Senate bill would reimburse states with under-performing Medicaid programs at 100 percent, while keeping New York’s reimbursement level the same. New York offers Medicaid to those earning up to 200% of the poverty level.
“Upon reviewing the bill, I am satisfied the bill has moved a great deal toward the House bill in terms of compensating my state and doing the right thing for health care,” he said. “So I determined this morning, and this is the first time I’m announcing it, I will vote for the bill.”
The congressman suggested yesterday morning that he was happy with the Medicaid language in the reconciliation bill, but wouldn’t commit to a yes vote until he saw the language.
After his announcement, Engel told TPMDC’s Brian Beutler that he’ll try to whip some of his colleagues.
“I will be speaking to some other member who are also undecided,” Engel said. He also said he has not yet spoken to Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY), who is reportedly leaning against voting for the bill.
