Health care deficit

OB/GYN News,  Feb 1, 2003  by Sally Peters

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State budget deficits spell trouble for public health insurance programs, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says. Budget deficits looming over state governments are expected to reach $60-$85 billion in fiscal year 2004--representing 13%-18% of state expenditures. "This worsening of state fiscal crises could force deep cuts in programs for low-income working families and especially in health care coverage, according to the center.

In 11 states where specific health care cutbacks have already been approved or pro: posed, 1 million people covered by Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program will be forced into the ranks of the uninsured if the cuts are fully instituted. To forestall this crisis, states would need substantial fiscal relief from the federal government, says Robert Greenstein, the center's executive director.

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