Official(jim pitts,texas bagger) paints stark image of Medicaid opt-out

[Bravo Zulu]

AUSTIN — Some Republicans who talk about Texas potentially opting out of Medicaid are quick to say the changes wouldn’t throw people out on the street — but not House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Pitts.

Pitts didn't advocate the change in health care for the poor at a meeting of the Ellis County Tea Party, just noted that it will be discussed by lawmakers.

But unlike others who have painted a rosy picture of a potential health-care restructuring without filling in the details, Pitts gave a stark answer when an audience member asked about an ill friend who is on Medicaid.

The questioner reacted with concern when Pitts said the state is looking at getting out of the program. What will my friend do then? Will you throw him out in the street?

"If we did exactly what we're doing today, we wouldn't be throwing him out in the street. But if we have any savings in getting out of Medicaid, we will have to throw some people out in the street," said Pitts, R-Waxahachie. He noted, "I'm not telling you that your friend would be."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7315107.html