State cuts to Medicaid affect patients, providers

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BROKEN_BUDGETS_MEDICAID?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-12-27-10-27-16

ATLANTA (AP) -- Just as Medicaid prepares for a vast expansion under the federal health care overhaul, the 47-year-old entitlement program for the poor is under increasing pressure as deficit-burdened states chip away at benefits and cut payments to doctors.

Nearly every state has proposed or implemented a plan in its current budget to rein in costs, and many are considering additional cuts in the year ahead.

For the tens of millions of poor and disabled who rely on the program - approaching nearly one in five Americans - the cuts translate into longer waits for doctors, restrictions on prescription drugs, a halt to vision and dental care, staff cuts at nursing homes and dwindling access to home health care.

Ruth Wohlforth, 70, is among those feeling the effects.

[William769]

1. I am connected with 3 different Healh Dept's in Florida.

Lee, Charlotte & Hendy Counties. People are starting to go without services. Needless to say Our Governor (rick scott) , is not helping matters any.