Gov. Cuomo made the informal announcement to a group of reporters March 29, according to the Journal. “We have to find savings, and I have no doubt we can find savings,” he said. “There was always waste and abuse in the Medicaid program … My instinct is it’s only gotten worse.”
One of Gov. Cuomo’s spokesmen reiterated the governor’s comments. “It is our intent that the final budget language will codify that the state, the city and our country partners will work together to find $250 million in savings in the fiscal year,” he said, according to the report.
Much to the chagrin of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, in January, Gov. Cuomo suggested shifting $180 million of the state’s Medicaid costs to New York City. The proposal was withdrawn March 29.
Still, some — such as New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie — are worried about how the $250 million in savings could affect New York City. “Until Medicaid is resolved, it will be very difficult for us to come to a budget resolution,” Assembly Speaker Heastie said, according to the report. “We’re still concerned about having the city, in a punitive way, having to cover” Medicaid.
More articles on healthcare finance:
CBO releases analysis of Obama’s 2017 budget: 5 healthcare takeaways
Care New England lays off 58, struggles to keep Memorial Hospital afloat
LogixHealth breaks down ICD-10 code changes: 6 quick facts
