The state underfunded the Medicaid budget this year by $36 million. With approximately a three-to-one match, the hole left in the budget is over $126 million. Medicaid serves West Virginia's most vulnerable population - the elderly, poor, chronically ill and children.
"True economic development is generated, not by state grants, but through private sector investments," said Mitch Carmichael. "Health care for the poor and elderly should be our first priority."
"How could we choose $2 million for "pork barrel" spending over $8 million for the poor, the aged and disabled?" questioned Cindy Frich. "With the Katrina survivors relocating in West Virginia, straining the system, we may need more funding for Medicaid. Also, the partial funding may lead to more cuts next year which will result in decreased access to care for the needy and elderly."