New Yorkers pay the highest bills in the nation for Medicaid, the government insurance program designed to provide medical care and long-term care services for low-income and disabled individuals. With spending of nearly $52 billion in 2010, our Medicaid costs are more than twice the per capita national average.
Having the richest Medicaid program in the country leads to higher taxes, which makes our state less economically competitive. Taxpayers can no longer afford the excessive benefits provided by the program. Each year, employers and families are leaving our state for areas that are more business-friendly. By more closely aligning New York's program to match national norms, the state can save billions of dollars.