POLITICS: Bush to Seek Cuts in Medicaid, Benefits, page 1

posted on Jan, 21 2005 @ 04:58 PM

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President Bush is putting the finishing touches on the 2006 federal budget. Included in that proposal may be cuts in Medicaid and other benefit programs. However, it is unclear if the President can push the budget threw the Republican controlled congress. However, politicians and lobbyist are speculating that Medicaid will receive the most changes.

story.news.yahoo.com
WASHINGTON - President Bush is readying a new budget that would carve savings from Medicaid and other benefit programs, congressional aides and lobbyists say, but it is unclear if he will be able to push the plan through the Republican-run Congress.

White House officials are not saying what Bush's $2.5 trillion 2006 budget will propose saving from such programs, which comprise the biggest and fastest growing part.

But lobbyists and lawmakers' aides, speaking on condition of anonymity, say he will focus on Medicaid, the health-care program for low-income and disabled people. Medicaid costs are split between Washington and the states.

Many expect him to propose giving states more flexibility in using the $180 billion in federal Medicaid funds each year, but to limit the program's growth on a per-patient basis — in effect forcing the states to find ways to save money.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

Medicaid is starting to get a little thin in its fundings as health care costs continue thier rise unchecked. Now a plan to go after fraud as the article speculates would no doubt help as would the reform on needless medical lawsuits. But cutting reimbursements to hospitals will not in my humble opinion. Emergency rooms are overloaded and some hospital systems are on the verge of collapse. Cutting funding is not the way to prevent that either.

surfup

posted on Jan, 21 2005 @ 05:23 PM

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When you are fighting a costly war with Iraq, you got to pay for it. What better way to pay for it than cutting benifits for the people who elected him to government.

Btw,

However, it is unclear if the President can push the budget threw the Republican controlled congress.

Don't you mean through?

Surf

Jehosephat

posted on Jan, 21 2005 @ 05:54 PM

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Freedom is on the march, while leaving the poor and unhealthy to fend for themselves.

Prince_Machiavelli

posted on Jan, 21 2005 @ 06:28 PM

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I smell something fishy going on...................................Can you smell that smell?