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Supporters and opponents of a bill to eliminate Medicaid testify before a House committee

March 30, 2005
By: Travis Thompson
State Capital Bureau

Opponents and supporters of a bill to eliminate Medicaid in 2008 testified before a House committee.

Travis Thompson has more from the state Capitol.

Story:
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Shannon Aller came from Kansas City to testify before a House committee against a bill to cut Medicaid.

Aller receives money from MAWD- Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilites.

Aller says she may not live if the bill passes.

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Contents: "They're playing with my life. Like I said, I have durable medical equipment that I have to use at night to keep me breathing."

The bill's author, Senator Chuck Purgason, says Medicaid is doing a bad job of caring for the poor and elderly.

Governor Matt Blunt is pushing the bill because it's a key part of his plan to cut Medicaid funding.

The bill reduces eligibility income levels for Medicaid and cuts some services.

The Senate passed the bill earlier this month.

From the state Capitol, I'm Travis Thompson.

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A key part of Governor Matt Blunt's plan to slash Medicaid went before a House committee.

Travis Thompson has more from the state Capitol.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Supporters and opponents of a bill that would eliminate Medicaid in 2008 testified in front of a House committee.

The bill, already passed by the Senate, would reduce eligibility income levels for Medicaid and eliminate some services.

Republican Senator Chuck Purgason sponsored the bill.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "Medicaid is not serving the needs of the people it was meant to serve. It does a poor job of caring for the poor and elderly in our society."

Purgason says Medicaid cuts are necessary to balance the budget.

Opponents of the bill say they fear the bill will eliminate services like breathing machines and wheelchairs.

From the state Capitol, I'm Travis Thompson.

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