The economic stimulus bill is helping Central New York counties protect jobs. Part of the bill includes money to help counties ease the Medicaid burden. Senator Charles Schumer says the Medicaid bill can force counties to raise taxes or layoff workers.
With the stimulus bill, Onondaga County will get a minimum of $48.7 million, and possibly up to $55 million, towards Medicaid. Cayuga County will get at least $6.8 million, which could go up to $7.7 million. Oswego County will get a minimum of $11.8 million and a maximum of $13.5 million.
Senator Schumer says when he talks to county executives and county legislators, they "talk about the Medicaid burden above all." Senator Schumer says the federal government recognizes the counties aren't at fault for the Medicaid costs.
