Medicaid Relief

News From New York State
Senator Shirley L. Huntley
For Immediate Release: April 9, 2012  
Contact: Antonio Rodriguez | arodrigu@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

**PRESS RELEASE**

Senator Shirley L. Huntley Announces Strong Medicaid Relief in 2012-2013 State Budget

Senator Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) announced that under the enacted 2012-2013 State Budget significant funding has been allocated for substantial relief in Medicaid spending for localities throughout New York. This allocated funding will go great lengths in aiding those who have been debilitated by the past crushing Medicaid costs.

“As the middle class continues to live paycheck to paycheck and struggles to provide for their families they should not have the burden of ever increasing taxes due to ballooning Medicaid costs.” said Senator Huntley. “The Senate Democrats have heard what the middle class has been saying and we are working to help ensure long term prosperity for your families.”

The Senate Democratic Conference have been fighting for Medicaid reform. Under the new budget, New York will take over the growth of Medicaid cost and will implement a phased takeover of Medicaid administration expenses. In 2013-14, Medicaid growth will be reduced by two percent, and then reduced by an additional one percent annually over the subsequent two years.

In my district, property taxes have been increasing at dramatic rates for homeowners and those residing in condominiums and co-ops. In the borough of Queens there has been a greater percentage of houses and co-ops compared to the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.  that feel the burden of having to pay rising property taxes.  Medicaid reform will go a long way in keeping certain costs down for families, especially in an economic climate where the cost of living has increased while salaries have stagnated.

With these reforms counties throughout New York State, and New York City, will no longer have to contribute towards the growth of Medicare expenses by 2015-16. With the State of New York taking over the three percent of the Medicaid growth factor it will save our counties and New York City $1.2 billion over the next five years. 

Senator Huntley continued, “Passing this relief is a victory for everyone in New York.  The Senate Democratic Conference will continue to ensure government provides the services essential to New Yorkers without placing extra burdens on our state’s taxpayers.”