Missouri Medicaid cuts: Who pays now?

By Steve Bell

Kansas City, MO – With the final decision on some Missouri Medicaid cuts still to be made, the first batch of letters has been sent notifying some recipients of cuts, co-pays and other changes. The Blunt administration has made it clear that the cuts are not about a budget shortfall, but rather about a program that is "out of control" and needs reform. And the governor says he may make additional cuts to its funding that legislators were unwilling to make.

Amid the uncertainty, it is for sure that at least the cuts the legislature made will come, and 91,000 persons will be affected. If they do not simply go without the care the state will no longer pay for, who will pay the bills?

Steve Bell talked with patients, health care providers, hospital executives, and representatives of the faith and charitable communities to get their opinions.