Ferguson, Borrello Talk Medicaid Costs During Debate

The issue of Medicaid costs to Chautauqua County was the focus of multiple questions during Thursday night's County Executive debate at the Spire Theater in Jamestown. Both Democrat Mike Ferguson and Republican George Borrello agree that the full cost of the program in New York State should be borne by the state. Borrello says he supports the Collins-Faso Amendment in Congress that would shift all the state costs to New York State...

George Borrello: state should be fully responsible

Currently in New York State, a quarter of the total cost is borne by the state, and another quarter is picked up by each individual county. However, counties get no say in what programs are available, and the cost of them. With that, Ferguson says the state needs to pick up the tab...

Mike Ferguson: clearly a state program

Ferguson adds that while making sure that able-bodied residents return to work as soon as possible, there are a number of Medicaid recipients who live in nursing homes, and they need that help. Borrello agreed that seniors, who paid into the program, should be able to retain those benefits.