Idaho Medicaid faces tough program cuts
BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ The head of Idaho's Department of Health and
Welfare says the best option for controlling rising Medicaid costs is to cut programs and services _ leaving only those that are essential. Director Dick Armstrong told lawmakers Monday the agency may come down to cutting programs that aren't critical to matters of life and death. Armstrong testified before budget writers and lawmakers who serve on House and Senate committees that oversee the agency. He said the agency is stressed by an increase in the demand for food stamps and other programs caused by the economic recession. At the same time, he says the agency is operating with a smaller staff but dealing with higher caseloads for each worker. Agency figures show enrollment in Medicaid programs in Idaho in 2010 grew by 21 percent compared to 2007. Comments ( |
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