Day by Day Nutrition

Wednesday I was in Frankfort, the state capitol of KY, to learn about three new pieces of legislation that were introduced regarding physical activity in elementary schools and also menu labeling in food chain restaurants in our state.  I was able to meet with State Senator Julie Denton.  She lives around the corner from me in Louisville.  She’s dental hygienist by profession.

I asked Senator Denton specifically about some of her concerns regarding the Health Reform Proposals that are currently being discussed in Congress.  I was particularly interested in how the KY (states)  felt about the federal government forcing states to expand Medicaid.  Senator Denton pointed out that KY is already struggling with a major deficit.  She said that it’s going to cost KY a lot more money.  She said “but with our revenue down due to job loss, we are struggling financially.”

Senator Denton is very knowledgeable about Medicaid because she serves as the co-chairman of the Health & Welfare Committee.  She said that new participants in the Medicaid program in KY due to all the job losses are not your regular type Medicaid patients.  In fact, they are utilizing many more of the services that are provided by Medicaid which ends up costing more money.

New Medicaid Patients Using More Services – Costs are Skyrocketing

Many of the these new patients may have not had health insurance before their job loss so accessing health care is like being a kid in a candy store. (Wait till they find out they can get FREE orthodontics for their children). Senator Denton said, ultimately, as more participants are added to the Medicaid rolls more services will have to be cut due to financial constraints.  She reminded me States were unable to print more money like the federal government. So where will states get the extra money, from higher taxes!

States may not be happy campers with all the new entitlement programs the federal government is trying to impose on them.  She did point out that KY was not one of the States which got sweetheart deals like FL, Nebraska, CT, Louisiana and VT.

Americans Should Be Outraged at all the Sweetheart Deals Made by Reid and Pelosi for VOTES!

I am outraged by these Sweetheart Deals for votes to pass Health Reform.  In my opinion, States should demand equal treatment when it comes to Medicaid and Medicare.  All states should stand up for their rights and not let the federal government decide who get deals and who doesn’t.

Image from www.campaignforfamilies.org