By Associated Press | February 14, 2016
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is asking the federal government to expand Medicaidcoverage to people under 21 and pregnant women who have been exposed to Flint’s lead-contaminated water.
In a statement released Sunday, Snyder says about 15,000 more Flint residents would benefit if the government approves the request. The governor says the state would help by lining up doctors and behavioral health specialists and providing other services.
For 18 months, Flint used the Flint River for drinking water. A lack of corrosion control in the water caused lead to leach from old plumbing throughout the city.
Meanwhile, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy plans to visit Flint on Tuesday. He’s expected to meet residents and take questions from the public.