Medicaid relief doesn’t belong on a wish list
Wednesday, May 31st, 2006
By Chris Fitzsimon
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Local leaders told the Daily News recently that Medicaid relief is at the top of their collective wish list for things they’d like to see state legislators provide during the General Assembly’s short session.
But there’s a problem with that wish list. Medicaid relief shouldn’t have to be on it.
Stay with us.
Legislators went into the short session this month with a $2 billion surplus. It’s the first time they’ve had a surplus since the mid-1990s. When one looks at the budget shortfalls the state has had to face in recent years, well, figuring out what to do with a surplus is certainly a happier problem to solve.
So, immediately, leaders in our four-county coverage area had what we’ll call a “hello” moment.
As in, HELLO, we’ve needed Medicaid relief for ages and now you can finally give it to us in good conscience.
No wishes needed. No robbing Peter to pay Paul. No explanation required.
North Carolina is the only state in which counties must pay a percentage of nonfederal Medicaid costs. In any other state, the cost burden is borne by that state’s coffers.
So it would just be logical for North Carolina’s leaders to step up to the plate, particularly now.
“Hey, we have some extra money and we know you can use it. So here.”
Simple as that.
Beaufort County Manager Paul Spruill called Medicaid “absolutely the biggest, most important thing the legislature could do for Beaufort County.” Medicaid expenses account for $3.8 million of Beaufort County’s budget. (more…)
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