State of New York Medicaid System

Recently I uncovered some information regarding the Medicaid system in the State of New York. Here is what happened; a naturalized citizen, arranged to have her mother brought to the United States with a Visa (I assume). The mother lived in her daughter’s house. Obviously the mother was unemployed since (1.) She couldn’t speak English and (2.) The daughter was providing for her. Not having any money or bank account in the State of New York, you are eligible for Medicaid.

The mother falls, breaks her hip and is brought to the local hospital where an operation is performed. The mother was agitated and angry, kept trying to get out of bed and eventually fell on the floor breaking the hip again, 2nd surgery. She remained in the hospital for recovery for a period of 2-3 weeks but plateaued and as with normal health insurance the hospital said she must go to a rehabilitation facility. For hospital charges, medications and doctors, she was billed NOTHING. She then went to a nursing home/rehabilitation center approximately the third week in September 2007 where she has remained until the present. Now she has a private room with a seating area, has learned to play Mahjong and participates within the party atmosphere. Of course there are back rubs, snacks; you know the same as we get with our health insurance.

The total bill so far is NOTHING. You and I would probably be paying at least $4,000 per week and we would be dropped by our insurance carrier between 2-3 months (and I know I’m being extremely kind).

Do you think that the State of New York’s present financial condition was affected by their Medicaid policy? Remember that the Medicaid program is offered to anyone whether a citizen or immigrant coming into the state system.

What a screwed up system. No Problem, WE pay for it.

In 2008-2009 the NY State Medicaid spending will be $46.3 BILLION,

a 2.7% increase from 2007-2008