Hospitals’ attorney says plan is illegal

The Sun Herald, 8/10/8

Gov. Haley Barbour’s plan to pay for Medicaid violates state and federal laws, according to attorneys for nearly 40 hospitals.

The hospitals have not legally challenged the proposal that would increase their taxes, cut Medicaid reimbursements and replace the cuts with federal money associated with the health care program.

But they are exploring options in Hinds County Chancery Judge Patricia Wise’s court. Wise was asked Friday to keep alive a case that stopped Barbour’s previous plan to make deep cuts in Medicaid services until the agency provides more proof of why the reductions are needed.