Threatened federal cuts and an economic downturn are stressing states already coping with mounting health related expenses. Yesterday New Jersey's governor announced intentions to expand insurance coverage, similar to Mass., but others are scaling back. And some, such as Ohio, remain resolute that the federal government was not entitled to deny them expansion of programs such as SCHIP at the same time plans are underway to close a mental health facility and save $9 million.
In New York, according to the Kaiser Daily Report, nearly one-quarter of the $4.1 billion gap might be met by shaving $1 billion from health programs. Elsewhere, targets for savings include name-brand prescription drugs, school-based initiatives, screening programs with early detection for diabetes-related side effects, SCHIP, and Medicaid.
