California Obamacare Costs $1.2 Billion More than Expected

Democratic California Gov. Jerry Brown warned on Tuesday that his state’s Obamacare program will cost California taxpayers $1.2 billion more than the state originally budgeted for. 

“I’m proud we did it,” said Brown. “But we also have to take into account this thing is growing.” 

Brown said the state’s Obamacare exchange, known officially as Covered California, and the state’s Medi-Cal expansion represent “a huge social commitment on the part of the taxpayers of California.” 

As the Los Angeles Times reports, “Although the federal government picks up the tab for any patients who became eligible for Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act, the state is still responsible for half the price for people who were previously eligible but hadn’t yet signed up.” 

Last week, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office reported that California faces $340 billion in debts, or more than $8,500 for each of the 38 million people who live in the state.