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Doctors, Hospitals, Poor to Feel IL Budget Pain
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois is on the verge of approving a Medicaid budget that could mean doctors and hospitals wait months to be paid and poor people have a harder time finding care.

The budget passed by lawmakers last month promises doctors and hospitals the same pay they get now. The same number of poor Illinoisans will be entitled to virtually the same services.

But the amount of money set aside for Medicaid falls about $1.2 billion short of covering all those costs.

Experts say the payment delays would mean financial pain for anyone who treats the poor.

More doctors and dentists might choose not to see patients who depend on Medicaid. Hospitals and nursing homes would face pressure to cut staff or delay improvements.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
06 18 11 by Newsroom
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