Health Care Bill Will Help Struggling States
The State Net Capitol Journal reports that the health care reform measures under consideration in Congress would also serve as a second fiscal stimulus package for cash-strapped states.
Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) November 23, 2009
The 1,990-page health care bill recently passed by the House is more than just a major reformation of the nation’s health care system, it is a $23.5 billion holiday season gift to states to help them meet the growing costs of Medicaid, which provides medical coverage for the poor. This little-noticed provision is in reality a hidden federal stimulus.
As SNCJ’s Lou Cannon reports, the latest round of federal largess would be much welcomed in the states, which are confronting looming budget gaps for 2010 and beyond. Thirty-nine states already have cut spending, 22 have raised taxes, and 18 have tapped rainy-day funds or other reserves. But Cannon also notes that the bill has its worrisome elements as well.
“What the federal government gives, it can also take away,” Cannon reports. “The health care bill, as it passed the House, would require the states, beginning in 2015, to pay 9 percent of the cost of new Medicaid enrollees, adding billions of dollars to state costs.”
To get the full story, check out the new issue of the State Net Capitol Journal on the State Net Web site at www. statenet. com.
About State Net
State Net (www. statenet. com) has helped organizations track legislative and regulatory developments for more than 30 years. Headquartered in Sacramento, State Net monitors every bill in the 50 states, District of Columbia and Congress as well as all state agency regulations. The company delivers online services, issue-based consultation and analysis that enable the nation's leading organizations to effectively respond to opportunities and risks across the nation.
The State Net Capitol Journal delivers coverage of public policy issues from all 50 states. Featuring analysis of emerging trends, state budgets, governors, legislatures and elections, SNCJ readers gain an intelligent overview of the major political issues and events in state governments.
References: Cannon, Lou. (2009, Nov 23, 2009). “Struggling states need more help from the feds” State Net Capitol Journal. www. statenet. com
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