Medicaid
After education, the State's biggest expenditure is health and human services -- specifically, Medicaid. As the federal government starts to think about bringing its budget more in balance, the states know how the federal government will do much of that; the feds will stop funding big-ticket programs and turn that responsibility over to the states. We're already starting to see that in the Medicaid arena (HIV/AIDS medication funding and mental health funding).
This situation suggests that states should be wary to take on programs that will largely be funded with federal "matching" money. States are constantly lobbied to institute such-and-such program, because for every 1 dollar the State spends on that program, the federal government will match it with 2 or 3 or 4 dollars. The problem is that many people come to rely on the program (whatever it is) -- maybe one that wasn't such a high priority for the State -- and, then, the State is left holding the bag when the federal money goes elsewhere.
On these specific issues, I would think that Utah will fund a portion of the mental health costs but will study the issue of funding medications over the interim before it starts down that path.
This situation suggests that states should be wary to take on programs that will largely be funded with federal "matching" money. States are constantly lobbied to institute such-and-such program, because for every 1 dollar the State spends on that program, the federal government will match it with 2 or 3 or 4 dollars. The problem is that many people come to rely on the program (whatever it is) -- maybe one that wasn't such a high priority for the State -- and, then, the State is left holding the bag when the federal money goes elsewhere.
On these specific issues, I would think that Utah will fund a portion of the mental health costs but will study the issue of funding medications over the interim before it starts down that path.
posted by steve u. at 2/28/2005
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1 Comments:
Maybe those left behind by the handout train can go to IHC and get some of that gracious and charitable free care they dish out. Isn't it sad that the second biggest expense to the tax payers in Utah is Medicaid? When did it become the state's/taxpayer's responsibility? I don't mean that in a harsh way, but where's their families, friends, churches and charities? These people need help, but why don't those that should be responsible stand up? Where is the personal and family responsibilty?
Really Steve, when did it become the taxpayer's responsibilty to provide free health care. This may sound like a silly or mean spirited question, but I am really curious on how this came about. I am willing to bet it hasn't been this way since Utah was made a state.
Please don't get me wrong. I know people need help when things get bad. I just wonder how the responsibilty shifted to the state and taxpayers from those that should be helping.
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