Healthcare Officials Urge Public to Vote 'Yes' September 18th
By: Megan Hunter
Updated: September 10, 2012
A big vote is coming up for Alabama, and a 'no' vote to help balance the state's General Fund could put the state's healthcare programs in a big bind.
Doctors are talking about the impact it could have on the wiregrass.
If it passes, $146 million will be moved into the general fund budget and save state programs like prisons and Medicaid from being cut.
Medical professionals statewide are hoping to see this referendum pass.
"Without Medicaid, we may not be able to fund many of the services that our patients enjoy in the long term," said Dr. Michael Ramsey, with the Dothan Pediatric Clinic.
Dr. Ramsey said over 40% of the patients at the Clinic are on Medicare.
He said a 'no' vote on September 18th could mean big problems for patients on Medicare as well as those with private insurance.
"About 40% of pharmacies may have to close, so it impacts everyone across the state."
Dr. Ramsey said the affect could be especially felt in the wiregrass.
"When you think about healthcare being the number one provider of jobs in our area, any cut to that arena is going to have ripple effect in our local and state economy," he said.
The State Trust Fund currently holds $2.5 billion in assets and collects royalties from offshore oil and gas companies around the gulf coast.
If the vote fails, Governor Bentley may be forced to call a special session to balance the state's General Fund Budget.
