LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Arkansas Rep. Josh Miller (R), who is paralyzed and completely dependent on Medicaid, has spoken out recently in strong opposition to the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

Arkansas lawmakers must re-approve funding for the expansion, with a 75 percent supermajority, to keep the program intact. Approval of the bill is still a few votes short, including Miller's.


Just over a decade ago, at 23 and uninsured, Miller was in a terrible car accident with a friend. He was left paralyzed, and with roughly $1 million in medical bills. A combination of Medicare and Medicaid paid for these bills in their entirety, and the programs continue to fund the private personal care he receives on a daily basis.

Miller admits that alcohol was involved in the crash, though he maintains he "can't remember who was driving."

Miller, who filed for re-election earlier this week, remains staunchly opposed to the Medicaid expansion, and to government assistance in general for folks who aren't, apparently, working hard enough.

"My problem is two things," Miller said, in an interview with the Arkansas Times. "One, we are giving it to able-bodied folks who can work ... and two, how do we pay for it?"

Arkansas Times