Gov. Asa Hutchinson said at a news conference Tuesday that he's made a decision about the Medicaid private option but won't reveal his opinion just yet.
Hutchinson announced at his inauguration that he would give an address Thursday detailing his plan for health care reform, and Tuesday said he would wait until then to talk about the private option.
"I have formed in my mind where I need to go Thursday, but that [announcement] will be made Thursday," Hutchinson said about his thoughts on the legislature reauthorizing federal funding for the private option.
The governor said he has kept in mind the people who rely on the private option to receive insurance and asks that they "broaden the debate" about health care.
"I'm very mindful of what has happened in terms of expanding health care and I'm mindful of the human aspect of the decisions that have to be made," Hutchinson said. "My emphasis will be broader [health care] reform."
Hutchinson said he has made a decision on the private option based on discussions with members of the state legislature from both parties, as well as health care groups and other organizations.
The governor also discussed his budget, which he says is finalized but in draft form because it is a working document. He noted that the budget should not presuppose his position on the private option.
"I've always separated the private option with tax cuts," Hutchinson said. "I delinked them a long time ago, so whether you're for or against the private option, most recognize there has to be a transition. Whatever I say about the budget doesn't indicate my position."
Hutchinson's budget will be made public next Tuesday, which he said will be balanced even with his proposed middle-class tax cuts.
Hutchinson said he has been meeting with legislatures to demonstrate how his tax cuts fit into the budget.
See Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full coverage.