Arkansas Facing Medicaid Cuts, $298 million Shortfall
By:
Updated: December 17, 2012
Arkansas is facing a $298 million shortfall in its Medicaid program and while state lawmakers are going to face some tough choices in how to fix that gap, some folks who are dependent on the system are worried.
"We can't afford any more cuts because we are on a shoestring budget, barely making it," says Estrella Willis-West, 54, of North Little Rock.
Willis-West is disabled and suffers from several health problems. She's dependent on Medicaid and concerned about others who might feel the pinch of proposed cuts.
Gov. Mike Beebe has proposed adding $160 million to help close the gap but even still that will leave a $138 million shortfall.
State lawmakers on Tuesday are slated to discuss the proposed cuts.
"We can't afford any more cuts because we are on a shoestring budget, barely making it," says Estrella Willis-West, 54, of North Little Rock.
Willis-West is disabled and suffers from several health problems. She's dependent on Medicaid and concerned about others who might feel the pinch of proposed cuts.
Gov. Mike Beebe has proposed adding $160 million to help close the gap but even still that will leave a $138 million shortfall.
State lawmakers on Tuesday are slated to discuss the proposed cuts.
