Medicaid Cuts Could Come To Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala (AP) – The Alabama House of Representatives will debate a large cut to Medicaid after a plan for filling a budget hole unraveled in a tension-filled special session.

Legislators on Wednesday will consider a $156 million funding reduction to Medicaid, the health care program for the poor and disabled.

The Republican proposal comes after a committee voted down an increase in the state’s cigarette tax. But Democrats and some Republicans are opposing big cuts to Medicaid.

State Health Officer Don Williamson says he is uncertain whether the state could maintain a Medicaid program with such a reduction.

Lawmakers have so far failed to resolve a projected $200 million budget shortfall. Many legislators already are predicting a second special session.