REFORMING MEDICAID -- REDUCING LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES

Dear Friend,

The skyrocketing cost of Medicaid has driven up local property taxes. That�s why the Senate Medicaid Reform Task Force, of which I am a member, has made more than 40 recommendations to reform Medicaid and save state and local taxpayers $2.5 billion over the next five years.

The Task Force held public hearings and discussions across the state last year and received input and suggestions from everyone impacted by the Medicaid system. The result is the most comprehensive Medicaid reform proposal since the program was enacted almost 40 years ago.

The centerpiece of the Task Force recommendations is a proposal for the state to takeover the local share of the Family Health Plus program. This would save Rensselaer and Saratoga counties $9,861,570 million and $7,290,773 million over the next five years respectfully. These savings should be passed directly to local property taxpayers. County Executives throughout the state support the Senate�s proposal for a state takeover of local Family Health Plus costs.

The Task Force also recommended reforms related to long term care and prescription drug costs as well as recommendations to make Medicaid more efficient and cost effective.

During the 2004 session I will be working to reform Medicaid so it�s a system that respects patients and taxpayers, delivers effective care and doesn�t just pay bills and includes personal involvement and responsibility by the consumer. The reforms I am advocating would accomplish these goals and provide significant fiscal relief for state and local taxpayers.

Sincerely,

Joseph L. Bruno
State Senator

LINKS
Report of the Senate Medicaid Reform Task Force

Charts on Growth and Savings 

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