A special hearing of the Legislative Budget Review Committee led by Legislator Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck) and Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and other members, set the stage for several speakers to deliver some disturbing news concerning the implications of new State proposals for Medicaid. Legislator Altmann chairs the Budget Review Committee.

"I was surprised by the magnitude of impact that Governor Pataki's budget will have on Nassau County," said Legislator Jacobs.

A presentation by the Legislative Office of Budget Review revealed that based on current spending, the State's proposed 2003-04 budget could impact the County (excluding the hospital) negatively on an annual basis by approximately $21, with $.5 million in fiscal year 2003.

According to Mitchell Sahn, Executive Director of Nassau County's Health and Human Services, the county now budgets approximately $321.5 million for Medicaid costs.

Nassau University Medical Center officials estimate that the proposed cuts would costs between $14 and 15 million.

"I was especially disturbed by the news from NUMC," said Jacobs. "By the end of 2003-2004 the hospital may not be able to operate."

Committee members also heard testimony from, Jack O'Connell of the Health and Welfare Council, Eric Naughton, Director of Office of Independent Legislative Budget Review and others, who gave their views and outlook for Nassau County under the State's proposed plan.

Legislator Altmann said she is working towards forming a "coalition of legislators," from the county, state and federal level to start formulating a plan.

"We must start looking at this in a bi-partisan fashion and begin to come up with some solutions," said Altmann. "The impact of these Medicaid costs could mean a death blow to County."

Jacobs said the committee plans to issue a report on the hearing within the next two weeks and she plans to have the first coalition summit sometime in April.