AG won’t represent gov. in Medicaid suit

The Clarion-Ledger, 8/26/8

Mississippi’s attorney general says his staff won’t defend Gov. Haley Barbour in a lawsuit challenging his latest proposal to tax hospitals to generate money for the Medicaid program.

A group of about 40 hospitals have filed suit, contending Barbour should not be allowed to increase their fees to help pay for the health care program that provides coverage to children, the elderly and poor. Barbour has said his proposal, which will go into effect Monday, doesn’t need legislative approval.

Hinds County Chancery Judge William Singletary will hear arguments Wednesday.