Cooper Green officials worry over no state healthcare exchange

Cooper Green officials worry over no state healthcare exchange

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Cooper Green Mercy Hospital. Source: WBRC file video Cooper Green Mercy Hospital. Source: WBRC file video
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

Governor Robert Bentley's decision to not set up a healthcare insurance exchange or to expand Medicaid coverage in Alabama is being questioned in Birmingham.

Cooper Green Mercy Hospital serves the poor in the county. CEO Sandra Hullett says expanding Medicaid and providing insurance for more people would help the financially strapped medical facility.

"Everybody talks about preventable health you have to pay something for that too. So it allows people to get their services they need early enough to make a difference," Hullett said.

County Manger Tony Petelos agrees Cooper Green Mercy Hospital will be affected by Bentley decision but he is unsure to what extent. Today Bentley is flying to Las Vegas to meet with other governors to discuss their opposition to the Affordable Care Act and their plan of action. Bentley has threatened to sue the Obama administration.

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