Medicaid Matters New York

For a full statement of our support — and concerns — click here.

To add your name to our statement of support for a positive 2007-08 state health care budget that improves care and access for Medicaid beneficiaries click here.

COMMENTS ON GOVERNOR SPITZER'S 2008-09 BUDGET

Medicaid Matters New York applauds the Governor's continued commitment to improving health care for all New Yorkers while protecting beneficiaries who rely on Medicaid, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus for essential, life-saving health care services. The administration lays out an ambitious agenda for change that provides a roadmap for fundamental reform of the health care delivery system in New York State. The Governor’s patient-first agenda puts access to care front and center, and addresses the need to build a system that provides high-quality, cost-effective health care for all New Yorkers.

Governor Spitzer’s 2008-2009 budget includes commitments to continued progress in reforming and strengthening New York’s publicly-funded health care programs, expanding access and improving health outcomes – while maintaining needed benefits and services. This budget reflects a change in policy priorities by shifting resources from costly inpatient settings to more appropriate primary and preventive care, and by linking indigent care funding directly to the provision of care to uninsured patients. Expanding Child Health Plus eligibility, continuing to streamline the paperwork involved in getting and keeping coverage, and providing incentives for doctors to work in underserved areas and specialties will ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the care they need and deserve.