TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Lawmaker Says Healthcare Programs Won't Be Cut

ADVERTISEMENT

By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 26, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - A Hillsborough County lawmaker said today that healthcare programs for the aged, disabled and working poor will not be cut despite a $3.4 billion state budget deficit in the coming fiscal year.

State Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Tampa, said House Republicans have agreed that the Medicaid Medically Needy and Medicaid for the Aged and Disabled programs will be kept at present levels with a combined spending of $623 million.

The programs, that help pay health insurance for poor people who have too many assets to qualify for traditional Medicaid, were scheduled to end June 30.

"I didn't think these people needed to be left with another day of anxiety," said Ambler, who chairs the House Health Care Appropriations Committee.

State Senate leaders had already indicated they would find a way to fund the programs, even if it meant some type of tax increase or new fee. Ambler said Gov. Charlie Crist is also in favor of keeping the programs whole.

The programs will be funded with money from trust funds, which are available for one year. That means that, without an upsurge in the economy, the needy recipients will face the same anxieties over program cuts next year.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT