Return of the JFC
The committee is back in session after a half hour lunch break. Now under consideration is an omnibus motion from Rep. Rhoades covering budget papers 371 through 378, 380 through 387, and 455.
Among the provisions in the motion is to delete the hospital assessment in budget paper 371.
The motion also deletes all provisions relating the the increase in the cigarette tax (budget paper 376), and delete the transfer from the Patients Compensation Fund. (budget paper 377)
The overall change to the bill under the motion: +$52.3 million GPR, -$500 million FED, -$497 million SEG, -$11.2 million PR, -$1.2 billion SEG-REV.
Asked by Dem Sen. Jauch what the impact of the motion on Medicaid would be, state budget director Dave Schmiedicke said it would create a $850 million "hole" in the program.
Rep. Kestell said that number was "ironic," because $850 million is also the amount of GPR the LFB has estimated Gov. Doyle's budget removes from MA funding.
Republicans on the committee said there is nothing in the bill that guarantees the money raised from the hospital tax will be used on health care. Rep. Suder said $119 million of the cash "goes to the government."
"I'm not about to roll the dice with patient money in hopes that patients in my area might benefit," he said.
Labels: DHFS, Medical_Assistance
