La. Backs Off Health Care Act-Funded Program

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has withdrawn an application to participate in a home-health care program for low-income people that would have been funded through President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act.

The state had applied to take part in the law's Community First Choice Program, which increases federal matching dollars to states that provide home care to the disabled.

On Monday, the Jindal administration withdrew its application.

Calder Lynch, policy director of the state health department, said Louisianacannot afford to take part because the program would require significantly extension of eligibility for the program.

Advocates for the disabled expressed disappointment.

Lynch told The Times-Picayune (http://bit.ly/15ePrMR) the state might submit a new application if the federal government offers up more flexibility.