Between Medicaid and the state’s Essential Plan, 8.5 million New Yorkers enjoy taxpayer-supported health coverage “for the poor” — but more than a third, 3 million, earn too much too qualify,
reports the Empire Center.
That’s roughly $20 billion a year in excess and potentially fraudulent spending, fostered by the progressive political class’ belief that the more people signed up, the better.
The center’s Bill Hammond identified the mismatch by simply comparing the known enrollment numbers with the Census report on New York income levels.
Created in the 1960s to serve the truly poor, the state-federal Medicaid program has gradually expanded to cover those with somewhat higher incomes; with its Essential Plan, New York aims to enroll anyone up to 250% of the poverty line.
But the state’s been beyond careless in policing enrollment.
As of this September, 44% of the Empire State’s population is covered — 20 points above the national average and seven points above the closest state.
Between Medicaid and the state’s Essential Plan, 8.5 million New Yorkers enjoy taxpayer-supported health coverage “for the poor” — but more than a third, 3 million, earn too much …
nypost.com