90 million deficit in Medicaid 07-15-08

the state has not reached a solution on how to fully fund the 90 million dollar deficit in Medicaid. governor Barbour is expected to make cuts in Medicaid to make up for the shortfall, a decision that affects not only major hospitals, but local clinics. Dr. Nate Brown tells us, "now in my office we may have to lay off some staff, we may have to curtail the limit on services, including possibly closing some days, we're going to do our best to not turn people away, but unfortunately when my bills are due i'm going to have to pay them, and if i can't pay my bills for supplies, then it makes it impossible to provide services for people who need it the most." the delta arguably is one of the poorest regions in the state, and healthcare officials say cuts could affect the individual as much as the healthcare providers. The doctor says, "i treat a fairly large number of Medicaid patients, who happen to be very poor, and it's going to cause some unnecessary hardships on them many people who may not be able to see the doctor, or who may not be able to obtain the medication."