Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Massachusetts Model: Who Matters Most

Not surprising; not in this state, not anymore.

"$75m hike sought for health plan; Increase would offer coverage for more immigrants" by Kay Lazar, Globe Staff | January 28, 2010

Despite last year’s battle with state lawmakers over health insurance for legal immigrants, Governor Deval Patrick is calling for a 25 percent funding increase for the program, a total of $75 million, in his new budget proposal.

The rest of the budget is being slashed and gutted but these guys get a huge increase.

Patrick, who has been a staunch advocate for the funding, said he is committed to the initiative for the group of 26,000 “hardworking, taxpaying’’ residents. Massachusetts does not receive federal reimbursement for the immigrants’ coverage, as it does for other health care programs....

He's not winning in November. No way.

Most of them are REFUGEES from OUR LYING WARS, 'murka!

Overall, state-subsidized health coverage for lower-income residents took one of the biggest hits in Patrick’s proposed budget, with $265 million in cuts to MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program.

No wonder I haven't gotten my card yet.

The cuts translate to modest increases for patients, including a $1 increase for most prescription copayments for the 1.2 million residents enrolled in the program.

I can't afford anything now.

Also, adults will now be required to get some of their dental care, including dentures and root canals, at community health centers, where costs are typically lower than at the dentist.

I paid my own out of pocket. It depleted my savings; however, when you find a good dentist you stick with them.

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