New York spends two times the national average on Medicaid and cost per capita here is 100 percent higher than the next highest state. Since nobody in the Empire State is arguing that we get anywhere near our money’s worth from this bloated program, deep cuts should be in store.
Every year since 2005, New York State Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D-Kenmore) has trotted out the same draft legislation that directs counties to set their own Medicaid options and eligibility levels.
His point: providing costly optional Medicaid benefits should not be required in this enduring recession, so let the locals decide. It’s a good idea that saves real money in hard times.
