Monday, February 15, 2010
Beshear Questions Lawmakers Decision
KENTUCKY....
To help close a nearly $400 million budget gap in fiscal 2011, which begins July 1st, Kentucky House leaders last week announced they're considering taking $227 million in General Fund money out of the Medicaid budget...an idea which came under fire from Governor Steve Beshear. Beshear questioned leaders for assuming Congress will extend higher Medicaid payments to the states, but some national experts say its probably a safe bet. Leaders say they feel the federal government will approve a six-month extension of a higher Medicaid match, which currently ends December 31st. Chris Whatley, Washington director of the Council of State Governments, says the chances remain good for the extension. Many national experts say Congress is poised to grant another $25.5 billion to help the program. If the extension is granted, Kentucky would be in line for an extra $242 million.
To help close a nearly $400 million budget gap in fiscal 2011, which begins July 1st, Kentucky House leaders last week announced they're considering taking $227 million in General Fund money out of the Medicaid budget...an idea which came under fire from Governor Steve Beshear. Beshear questioned leaders for assuming Congress will extend higher Medicaid payments to the states, but some national experts say its probably a safe bet. Leaders say they feel the federal government will approve a six-month extension of a higher Medicaid match, which currently ends December 31st. Chris Whatley, Washington director of the Council of State Governments, says the chances remain good for the extension. Many national experts say Congress is poised to grant another $25.5 billion to help the program. If the extension is granted, Kentucky would be in line for an extra $242 million.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:53 PM 
