Benefits in peril

last updated 8 January 2015

Washington, D.C.

Millions of Americans could lose health insurance or other benefits under spending cuts that state lawmakers are considering to trim huge budget deficits. The states face their worst financial crisis in 50 years due to soaring health care costs and dwindling tax receipts, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington, D.C. The crisis will probably deepen this month, as many states learn that their income tax revenues fell short of projections. Advocates say 1.7 million low-income patients could lose Medicare coverage altogether. California may eliminate dental and vision coverage for adults, while other states are cutting back on prescription drug programs. “We’re trying to spread the pain as broadly as we can,” said an official in Massachusetts.