RI lawmakers fault Medicaid plan

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island's Congressional delegation warns that a proposed overhaul of the state's Medicaid system might not withstand a surge of people seeking state-funded medical care because of the recession.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Gov. Don Carcieri, the Democrats warn that Carcieri's plan to reform the Medicaid system fails to take into account soaring unemployment.

The Congressional delegation said it fears the proposal could result in big spending shortfalls in the health care program for the elderly, poor and disabled.

Carcieri reached a deal last month with the Bush administration to cap Medicaid spending.

In return, Carcieri would win flexibility to use Medicaid money in new ways. State lawmakers must decide whether to accept or reject the deal by Sunday.

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