States Consider Opting Out of Medicaid Altogether

Advocates Beware!

From the New York Times (11.12.10):

Battle Lines Drawn Over Medicaid in Texas

By Emily Ramshaw and Marilyn Serafini

A week after newly emboldened Republicans in the Texas Legislature floated a radical cost-saving proposal — opting out of the federal Medicaid program — health care experts, economists and think tanks are trying to determine just how serious they are, and if it would even be possible.

The answer? It is complicated. But that is not stopping some conservative lawmakers in nearly a dozen other states, frantic over budget shortfalls and anticipating new costs from the federal health care overhaul, from exploring it.

“States feel like their backs are against the wall, so this is the nuclear option for them,” said Christie Herrera, director of the health and human services task force for the American Legislative Exchange Council, an association for conservative state lawmakers. “I’m hearing below-the-radar chatter from legislators around the country from states considering this option.”...

>>> For the Full Article

Comments

[J. Ito-Carver]

Opting out of Medicaid will hurt the most vulnerable of our society. Many seniors and disabled individuals cannot afford health care coverage. Opting out would only add to the number of uninsured individuals which would result in adversely affecting the quality of life for many. Do these politicians realize that there are people who depend on Medicaid to literally survive? I agree that something needs to be done before the system goes bankrupt, however providing for people who truly need medical care should take priority over saving money. Denying healthcare coverage to people who have no other means to pay for it is inhumane. I hope there is an alternate plan that is being considered that will truly benefit everyone.

[Rhodora Rojas]

To Whom It May Concern:

We are all aware of various budget deficits nationwide. I do understand we all need to cut on most of our expenses to fund other necessities. However, the issue about opting out of Medicaid to have enough funds to support other programs seems to be unacceptable. I say this because I do believe health is wealth. In addition, in order for someone to function normally, his or her health should be in great shape. The news regarding one of the US states planning to opt out of Medicaid in general somewhat bothers me. How can the legislatures support this idea?
Someone’s health is of a great importance to everyone. It should be provided to everyone especially for the people who needs them the most. Medicaid is one of the federal programs, aimed to support people who have disabilities, elderly and people who have some kind of financial issues to achieve a sufficient health care with a little or no cost to them. If this benefit will diminish, then the health of these individuals is in doomed.
My concern is that we should just look at another way for us to save rather than taking away this benefit. Medicaid really benefits most of our needy people. I am asking you, the authorities to rethink this policy. We all need to be in good health condition so we could all function normally. Therefore, I humbly ask the authorized people not to opt out from this benefit to secure affordable and effective health coverage for those who need it.
I definitely think that we all can save in other ways. We might just end up spending more to recover than saving some. So, please do rethink this and not jump into just implementing this idea.
Thank you very much,

Rhodora Rojas

[Kevin Forde-Nihipali]

I agree. It does hurt those that need it most and as we have seen in the history of economics, those that "have" are not always seeking the best interest of those that do not. Medicaid is a difficult program to advocate for in its current format in many states. As with many other American government strongholds, Medicaid needs serious redirection and overhaul.
There are two providers in Hawaii, for example, with separate ideals and policies. And both are based on the Mainland. An appeal for service... months longer than typical.
Something needs to be done.

[Erin Abigail Marden]

State Representative Warren Chisum, Republican of Pampa seems disconnected from his constituents. I would like a description of "superbad poverty", unemployment is at a high and Rep. Chisum is on the band wagon to throw out the baby with the bath water! Our most vulnerable citizens stand to loose a lot if Medicaid ends. Medicaid may not be perfect, a drastic overhaul of the distribution of funds would be a far better use of time and resources than trying to end the states participation.