Tuesday, October 26, 2004

State Expenditure Report 2003
Report, in Adobe Acrobat format, from the National Association of State Budget Governors. A related story at the NAMI site notes that the report indicates "Medicaid costs increased faster than any other area of state spending in FY 2003, and are expected to consume a greater portion of total spending than elementary and secondary education for the first time in FY 2004" - and that 18 are likely to experience Medicaid budget shortfalls this year. "Based on these reports," says NAMI, "advocates will need to be vigilant in monitoring cost containment initiatives in their state, especially in the prescription drug area, as states report that growth in this area is the primary or secondary reason for higher Medicaid expenditure growth. Advocates must develop better relationships with their Medicaid officials and make clear arguments about how NAMI can assist their agencies, as well as working in broader coalitions..."