Scott, Sebelius to meet in DC to talk health care

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Gov. Rick Scott will meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to discuss the Affordable Care Act.

The Republican governor has been a vocal critic of “Obamacare'' but softened his stance after the election, saying he was willing to work with federal officials. But he's repeatedly expressed concerns about the potential costs to Florida taxpayers.

The meeting is slated for Monday.

Florida must decide whether to expand its Medicaid rolls, which could extend coverage to roughly 900,000 low-income residents.

The state will also decide whether to pursue a partnership or let federal officials run a state health exchange. The exchange is an online marketplace where residents and small businesses can shop for coverage.

Florida spent about $21 billion on Medicaid this year to cover nearly 3 million people.