Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

DATE: August 13, 2002  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      AUGUST 13, 2002

AFor the first time in history, Ulster County=s Medicaid costs will surpass the amount we collect in property tax@, said Social Services Commissioner Glenn Decker today when he announced a large increase in both Medicaid expenses and recipients.

AIn 2001, Ulster County spent $30,097,849 for mandated Medicaid programs. This year, 2002, an estimated $32,000,000 will be spent. The projection for 2003 will most likely reach the $36,000,000 figure.@

AWe take seriously the health and welfare of our citizens,@ said Commissioner Decker. AThe number of expanded mandated Medicaid programs from the State and Federal governments has rapidly increased, and the number of recipients is continually on the rise. Today, 10 percent of our county residents receive Medicaid benefits. The burden on Ulster County taxpayers has risen dramatically and will continue on that trend unless our State and Federal officials take some remedial action.@

Commissioner Decker continued, ANew York State is the only state in the Union that charges counties half of the State=s share. In the last decade, the local share of Medicaid to Ulster County has risen by 121%. This is a cost over which we have no control.@