Lawmakers have budged very little on two different proposals to fix that $166 million hole in the Medicaid budget. Today House and Senate leaders held their second day of compromise talks and both are holding their ground. Now Senate President David Williams says his chamber is willing to cut education less….only .65% in the second year and $93 million in across the board cuts. The House still wants to follow the Governor’s proposal of shifting money from next year’s budget and to follow savings in managed care. Some worry, though, of the consequences for rural hospitals if nothing is done.
“ When you reduce the reimbursement to that hospital, to where they can’t come close to meeting their costs, then they can’t serve Medicaid anymore. Since the majority is Medicaid, what does that leave them to do?” questioned Rep. Jimmie Lee, D-Elizabethtown.
If no agreement is made, lawmakers may adjournTuesday and then return for one more day either March 21rst or 22nd. That way they could override any gubernatorial vetoes. And if there is no deal then, the Governor could always came them back for a special session.
