Pennsylvania legislators considering cuts in Medicaid

A looming state budget deficit and the sour economy could lead to spending cuts in Pennsylvania's Medicaid program, according to a November 10th article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Medicaid provides health care coverage to nearly two million Pennsylvanians who have very low incomes.  In addition to poverty, recipients must demonstrate they fit a category of eligibility.  The primary categories are the elderly, disabled, children, and pregnant women. 

Medicaid is funded by the state and federal government on a roughly half-and-half basis.  Pennsylvania's share of the current program is approximately $5.5 billion annually. 

Pennsylvania faces a potential budget deficit of $2 billion in 2009 and legislators are already looking for spending to cut.  Medicaid, as the second-largest expenditure item in the state budget, will be a target.

Although children and families make up the largest share of Medicaid recipients (about 60 percent), they account for only about one-quarter of the costs.  The disabled account for one-third of the costs and the elderly account for 35 percent. 

The Tribune-Review article highlights the response of one elderly recipient of Medicaid, Carole Chelko from Leechburg.  "If they make cuts, I wouldn't be able to get my medicine, I wouldn't be able to go to my docctor, I wouldn't be able to pay for any of it."