Gov. Bobby Jindal’s budget uses nearly $86 million from the sale of three state prisons to plug into the Medicaid program and generate millions in additional federal matching cash. But sale of the prisons in Allen, Avoyelles and Winn parishes hasn’t yet been approved by lawmakers. If they refuse, that could strip dollars that are supposed to pay doctors, hospitals and nursing homes for taking care of Medicaid patients. Members of the House Appropriations Committee learned of the link today. Several who don’t support the prison sales were not happy about the connection. Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says the one-time money would help private health providers make it through a tough financial year. And Rainwater, Jindal’s top budget adviser, says the prison sales will save the state money long-term. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
Medicaid program linked to sale of La. prisons
Sign up for the free Daily Report email – local news about the people, companies and issues that impact business impact business in Baton Rouge and beyond.
