Group Asks Legislature To Save Health Care Programs

A group of religious leaders and health care providers is calling on state lawmakers to avoid eliminating two programs that provide health care benefits to the needy. Legislators are wrestling with the 2004 fiscal year budget. The Adult Medicaid Program and the MC+ Program for Children – which provides health care benefits to kids whose parents make less than 300 percent of the poverty level – are on the chopping block. The group understands that cuts must be made, but it wants lawmakers to look elsewhere. Most Reverend John Gaydos, General Chairman of the Missouri Catholic Conference, says when it comes to cuts there must be shared sacrifice, with all agencies, departments, and programs sharing the hurt. He says public education must share in that sacrifice.