By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-935053.mp3
Frankfort, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has a plan for closing a huge gap in the state's Medicaid budget. But Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh reports, it will require legislative approval.
Kentucky's Medicaid budget included $238 million in federal matching funds, but the state received only $138 million. To close the gap, Gov. Beshear wants lawmakers to move some second year Medicaid funding forward.
"I was personally involved in some of the briefings and received a very favorable response on this approach, because they feel moving into the managed care area is smart."
To cover the funds brought forward, the state plans to institute more public-private, managed care programs, control the high costs of radiology and imaging services and step-up anti-fraud initiatives. Medicaid currently serves more than 816,000 Kentuckians.